Light Vehicle
Handbook
The aim of this book is to provide students with the technical information required to avoid
accidents on the roads. On obtaining a driver's license, you are responsible for the safety of
others and yourself.
October 2018
Issue v1.2
BOOK
Copyright © 2017 by Emirates Driving Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | www.edcad.
ae
1
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REGULATING THE ROADS
1.1
1.2
1.2.1
1.3
1.4
1.4.1
1.4.2
1.4.3
1.4.4
1.4.5
1.4.6
1.5
1.5.1
1.5.4
1.5.2
1.5.3
1.5.5
1.5.7
1.5.6
1.6
1.6.1
1.7
1.7.1
1.7.2
1.8
1.8.1
1.9
1.9.1
1.10.1
1.10.2
1.10.3
1.10.4
1.12
Traffic Rules
Road traffic signs
Traffic sign groups
Road markings
Basic positioning
Right-hand traffic
Basic positioning when continuing straight ahead
Basic positioning when turning right
Basic positioning when turning left
Oncoming traffic
Distance to the car in front of you
Rules of the Road
The Left Hand Rule: Vehicle approaching from the left
The Turning Rule
The Main Road or Priority Road Rule
The Exit or Entering Rule
The Obstruction Rule
The Zipper principle
The Bus Rule
Exceptions to the rules
Vehicles excluded from the rules
Duty towards unprotected road users
Respect for pedestrians and cyclists
Courtesy and interaction with others
Order of traffic precedence
Signals given by a police officer or other authority figure Give Way and Crossing rules
Give way situations
Indicator signal
Horn, lights and hazard signals
Using the horn at night
Stoplights
Defensive driving
011
013
014
014
016
017
017
017
017
018
018
019
020
020
020
020
020
021
021
021
022
022
023
023
023
024
025
026
026
027
028
028
029
031
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.5
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.5.3
2.5.4
Inside the city limits
Positioning where several lanes lead to the same direction – inside the city limits
One way traffic
Roundabouts
Using your eyes and other senses
Scanning technique, peripheral vision and central visual field
Visual defects - visual acuity and the visual field
Lanes
Queuing in a lane Changing lanes and passing other vehicles in lanes Things to consider
Overtaking and crossing junctions inside the city limits
Pedestrian Crossing
Elderly and disabled pedestrians
Children and traffic
Stopping, parking and turning
Sudden, abrupt stopping
Stopping and parking
U-turns
Changing direction by means of a U-turn or reversing
OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
3.1
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.2
3.2.1
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
3.3.6
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.5
Outside city limits
Safety check before setting out Things to consider when leaving town Road works
Dealing with road workers
Ordinary roads
Turning onto a major road Estimating the meeting point when overtaking
Overtaking distance Overtaking rules for main roads Turning off a road: Right and left turn Using lay-bys, stopping, parking and making U-turns
Driving on motorways
Entering a motorway Lane discipline and changing lanes Hogging the fast lane Leaving a motorway Dirt road driving and off-road driving
035
036
036
037
038
039
039
040
041
041
041
042
043
043
043
044
045
045
045
047
047
051
052
052
053
059
059
060
060
061
062
064
064
065
066
067
068
068
069
070
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.2.6
4.2.8
4.2.7
4.2.9
4.2.10
4.2.11
4.2.12
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
Driving in sunshine and hot weather
Your Vehicle
Coping with the heat and sun
A large midday meal
Driving safely in the dark
Your eyes at night Speed at night Vehicle lights How to use your headlights when you see an oncoming vehicle How to use your headlights when overtaking
If you are being overtaken Positioning when you drive in the dark Dipping your headlights at a bend in the road
Parking and emergency stops at night Using your headlights in built-up areas
Unprotected road users
Noises at night
Driving in fog
Driving in high winds
Driving in rain
Aquaplaning Dealing with floods
Dealing with flooded areas
How to deal with a skid
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
5.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.5
5.2.6
5.2.7
5.2.8
5.2.9
5.2.10
5.2.11
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
5.7
5.7.1
5.7.2
What is the main cause of traffic accidents?
Different types of critical situation and accident
The single vehicle accident
Crossroad accidents inside and outside the city limits
Turning accidents inside and outside the city limits
Oncoming traffic accidents
Overtaking accidents Accidents with people under influence of alcohol or other intoxicants Pedestrian crossing accidents Accidents involving cyclists Accidents in the night
Front to rear accidents Motorcycle accidents The impact of the intersection collisions Camels and other animals on the road How to avoid critical situations Towards an accident-free traffic environment What to do in the event of a traffic accident
Dealing with accidents
Fire
073
074
074
075
075
076
076
076
076
077
077
078
078
078
078
079
079
079
080
081
082
082
083
084
084
089
091
092
092
092
093
093
094
094
095
095
096
096
096
097
099
100
101
102
102
104
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DRIVING BEHAVIOUR AND ROAD COURTESY 6.1
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.1.3
6.1.4
6.1.5
6.1.6
6.1.7
6.1.8
6.1.9
6.1.10
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.2.5
6.2.6
6.2.7
6.2.8
6.2.9
6.3
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.3.3
6.4
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.5
6.5.1
6.6
6.6.1
6.6.2
6.6.3
6.6.4
6.7
6.7.1
6.8
Emotional maturity
Developing a moral code of conduct
Immaturity
Role models
Responsibility
Identity (weak identity)
Adapting to reality (deficient reality)
Poor Self-control
Know yourself and know your driving skill
The difference between experienced and inexperienced drivers
Elderly drivers Personality traits and certain types of bad behaviour
Impulsiveness
Excuses (Blaming others)
Repression
Reaction formation – doing the opposite of how you feel
Prestige
Self-assertion Jumping the queue Reinforcing bad habits (Probability conditioning) Learning by imitation
The will to learn and the need to learn
Superficial learning
In-depth learning
Overlearning
Focus on driving
Avoiding distractions
Stress
Group pressure
Negative impact
Factors with adverse effects
Stages of fatigue and tiredness
Illness and medicines
Alcohol
Illegal drugs
Distractions while driving
Important things to consider
Traffic offences and penalties
107
109
110
110
110
111
111
112
112
113
113
114
115
115
115
115
116
116
116
117
117
118
119
119
119
120
120
120
121
122
122
123
123
123
124
124
125
125
126
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR 7.1
7.1.1
7.1.2
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2
7.2.3
7.2.4
7.2.5
7.2.6
7.2.7
7.2.8
7.2.9
7.2.10
7.2.11
7.2.12
7.2.13
7.2.14
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
Before you start-The importance of service and maintenance The driver's manual
Listen to your car
How it all works: The main components and systems involved
The Engine
The lubrication system
The cooling system
The fuel system
The exhaust system
The electrical system
Vehicle Lights
Rear lights
Visual aids: The instrument panel The transmission system
The brake systems The tyres
The tyres characteristics
The steering systems
Economical driving Driving with a heavy load or pulling a trailer
Testing time: Vehicle inspection and registration
Motor vehicle insurance SAFETY WHILE DRIVING 8.1
8.1.1
8.1.2
8.1.3
8.1.4
8.1.5
8.1.6
8.2
8.2.1
8.2.2
8.2.3
8.3
8.3.1
Car safety
The car’s protective shell
How to adjust the car seat, the head restraint and how to load a car
Seat belts save lives
Airbags (SRSs) save lives
Children in the car
Forgetting the children in the vehicle
The natural laws
To calculate the distance required to stop a moving car
Centrifugal force: When the road bends The force of gravity
More about handling different cars
Some vehicle characteristics
129
131
131
132
133
133
134
135
136
137
138
140
141
142
144
145
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
157
159
159
160
161
162
163
166
167
167
169
169
170
170
AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD
175
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
183
ROAD MARKINGS
215
Chapter One
REGULATING THE
ROADS
1.1 Traffic Rules
Road traffic has increased exponentially in the UAE. Vehicles and pedestrians are found
almost everywhere throughout the seven Emirates. It is therefore absolutely necessary to
have uniform rules and regulations and that road users comply with these rules.
Traffic laws and road rules have been under development internationally since the motoring
was in its infancy at the beginning of the last century. Today you will find signs, rules and
regulations that have been harmonised and approved internationally.
Traffic laws govern how a road should be marked and signed, how vehicles should be
equipped and perform and how the driver should behave in different situations.
To guide road users towards
correct behaviour on the
roads, and help the police
and judiciary to determine
who is right and who is
wrong in the event of an
accident, a set of traffic
rules has been incorporated
into Federal Law.
Knowledge of these rules
is, of course, essential for
every driver so that he or
she will not break them
out of carelessness or
ignorance exposing
others to a risk.
Rules, road
traffic signs and
road markings
regulate traffic
Without these it would not
be possible for traffic to
move freely on the roads.
In the UAE, work is still in
progress on the combining
of Federal Law and traffic
rules so that international
and regional rules may be
followed in daily practice.
Before obtaining your
driving licence, it is
important that you learn
and understand the
signs, road markings and
traffic rules
Some of the signs and
lines shown here are not
yet common in the UAE.
However, with the rapid
expansion of traffic and the
road network, they will soon
become part of our traffic
system. In the meantime,
you will need to be familiar
with them if you plan on
driving to another country.
REGULATING THE ROADS
013
1.2 Road traffic signs
1.2.1 Traffic sign groups
The purpose of road
traffic signs is to convey
information. There are
warning signs, prohibitive
signs, regulatory signs
and direction signs, all of
which give you important
information about the road
you are driving on.
The municipality decides
exactly what signs and
where they are to set up.
To make things easier for
drivers, each sign has a
distinctive combination of
shape, colour and symbol.
Since we drive on the right
hand side of the road, most
of the road-signs directing
the traffic are placed on
the right side. Some of the
signs appear on the left
side also where they are
more suitable.
014
REGULATING THE ROADS
Road traffic signs are
an essential part of any
traffic system.
They tell you about the rules
you must obey and warn you
about the hazards you may
meet on the road ahead.
Signs may be in the form of
words or symbols on panels,
road markings, beacons,
bollards or traffic lights.
This section deals with the
various types of traffic sign
and their meaning.
To do its job effectively, a
sign must communicate
its message clearly and
early enough for you to
see and understand it and
act accordingly.
Symbols are used as
much as possible,
because they are more
easily recognised,
understood and can
be standardised,
irrespective of language.
You will recognise traffic
signs more easily if you
understand the shape and
colour of the six main groups
or categories.
These are:
Warning signs,
triangular in shape,
which offer a caution
Regulatory signs,
circular in shape
and blue in colour,
which give positive
instructions
Supplementary signs,
rectangular in
shape and mainly
the same colour as
the primary sign
Mandatory signs
Prohibitive signs,
circular in shape and
red in colour, which
prohibit and restrict
All drivers must be familiar
with every traffic sign
currently in use.
Direction signs,
rectangular in shape,
which inform, give
positive instructions
and local directions
Temporary signs,
on an
orange background
Learn the different groups or categories of signs first; this will
make it much easier to remember the individual signs later on.
You will find them illustrated
in the appendix for Road
Traffic Signs.
REGULATING THE ROADS
015
1.3 Road markings
Road markings are used to
qualify and clarify the rules
and regulations enacted
from Federal Law. They may
warn of a danger; they may
divide the road into different
lanes; they may separate
a motor vehicle lane from
a cycle track or pedestrian
way; or they may signal
some sort of prohibition.
Their advantage is that they
can easily be seen when
other signs are hidden by
traffic and they can give a
continuing message as you
drive along the road.
As a general rule, the
more paint, the more
important the message.
016
REGULATING THE ROADS
Road markings appear as
lines, continuous or broken,
painted along or across the
carriageway. In addition to
lines, you will encounter
arrows, studs, symbols and
text messages.
•
A broken line functions
as a recommendation,
as a warning or as a
guide for road users.
•
Continuous lines
are prohibitive lines.
Crossing or straddling a
continuous line dividing
two lanes is prohibited.
Drivers must be familiar with
all types of road markings.
You will find them
illustrated in the appendix
Road Markings.
1.4 Basic positioning
1.4.1 Right-hand traffic
1.4.2 Basic positioning
when continuing
straight ahead
1.4.3 Basic positioning
when turning right
On two way traffic roads
a vehicle should be driven
in the lane furthest to the
right, as seen from the
direction of travel.
Wherever possible, get into
the right-hand lane if you
intend to continue in the
direction you are traveling.
At or just before the junction
you will have to keep to
the right, even though you
may have to negotiate
with parked cars.
Drivers intending to
turn right should keep
their vehicles as close
to the right-hand edge
of the carriageway
as is appropriate for
traffic conditions.
Keep to the right, leaving
plenty of space for any fastmoving vehicles.
Always try to position your
car so that you can handle
unexpected overtaking
and sudden meetings
with oncoming traffic with
maximum safety.
Overtaking and meetings with
oncoming vehicles always
involve an element of risk. If
visibility is poor, as it may be
if your view is obscured by
a hill or a bend in the road,
or if you are driving at night
or in fog or rain, the risk is
greatly enhanced.
Position your car and turn
off, keeping as far to the
right as possible. This not
only makes it easier for the
vehicles on your left but
also prevents drivers from
creeping up on your right.
After turning off, position
yourself as appropriate for
your ongoing itinerary.
It goes without saying that,
in streets with two-way
traffic with just one lane in
each direction, you must
keep well to the right so as
to allow plenty of room for
oncoming traffic.
REGULATING THE ROADS
017
1.4 Basic positioning
1.4.4 Basic positioning
when turning left
1.4.5 Oncoming traffic
Drivers intending to turn left
on two-way roads should
keep their vehicles close to
the centre-line
On a good wide road with
little traffic, oncoming traffic
should normally present
no problem. The narrower
the road is, the greater the
risk of an accident involving
two vehicles traveling in
opposite directions.
Before turning left, it is
essential to check the road
in both directions. When
you turn left you must give
way to all oncoming traffic.
The law clearly states that
turning left at a junction
is permissible only if you
can turn safely without
obstruction to the oncoming
traffic and vehicles coming
up from behind.
018
REGULATING THE ROADS
If possible and suitable,
one driver on a narrow road
must stop and wait for the
oncoming vehicle. Vehicles
on the same side of the road
as an obstacle up ahead
must give way to vehicles
approaching from the
opposite direction.
Mistakes are easily made
with a general tendency for
drivers to judge the meeting
point between their two
vehicles as being further
away than it actually is.
Other common mistakes
are to assume the meeting
point is at a spot halfway
between the two vehicles. Of
course, this can be true only
if both the vehicles happen
to be traveling at exactly
the same speed.
Some situations you may
encounter on the road:
1.
A car may start to
overtake a string of
vehicles approaching
from the other
direction.
Action: Keep to the
right, slow down and
flash your headlights.
2.
Encountering a vehicle
coming towards you
on the wrong lane,
which is considered
an unpleasant
experience.
Action: Hold your
brakes firmly, flash
your headlights
repeatedly, and use
the horn. You may
need to steer your
vehicle to the right as
a last resort.
3.
You encounter several
heavy vehicles at the
top of a hill. One of the
drivers behind may risk
overtaking before
you reach the top.
Action: Be ready to
steer to the right, slow
down and flash your
headlights.
4.
An oncoming car gets
into a skid. Action:
Slow down, keep well
clear, don’t slam on
the brakes. As a last
resort, you may have
to steer off the road.
1.4.6 Distance to the car in front of you
As drivers tend not to keep
their distance and queues
often build up in city traffic,
the risk of collision in such
conditions can be high.
Not only does driving close
behind another vehicle raise
the risk of an accident, but
your view of the road ahead
is also obscured and driving
will not be smooth. If you
have another vehicle so
close on your tail that you
fear it will run into you from
behind, slow down slightly
so as to increase your safety
margin with the vehicle
ahead of you.
REGULATING THE ROADS
019
1.5 Rules of the Road
1.5.1 The Left Hand Rule: 1.5.2 The Main Road or
Priority Road Rule
Vehicle approaching
from the left
At road junctions and
intersections not controlled
by traffic lights or road
markings, priority must
be given to vehicles
approaching from the left.
This also applies in parking
lots and public areas, etc.
1.5.4 The Turning Rule
The Left hand rule does not
apply where a Give Way or
Stop sign is present.
Entering a primary road,
priority road, main road or an
asphalt road from a gravel road,
you must give way or stop to
traffic approaching from both
left and right.
1.5.3 The Exit or
Entering Rule
You must give way to all
other traffic whenever you
exit a parking lot, a petrol
station, a residential area,
a pedestrian way, the hard
shoulder, or enter from an
Off-Road area.
This is known as the Exit or
Entering Rule.
This is known as the Main Road
Rule or the Priority Road Rule
When turning left at a crossroads, you must give way, not only
to oncoming motor vehicles, but also to any pedestrians who
may cross your path.
This is known as the turning rule.
020
REGULATING THE ROADS
1.5.5 The Obstruction Rule
1.5.6 The Bus Rule
In the event of a traffic jam, obstructing a crossroads or
walkway is prohibited.
In cities or countries with
public transport buses, buses
leaving a bus stop have
priority inside the city limits.
This is known as the Obstruction Rule.
This is known as
The Bus Rule.
1.5.7 The Zipper principle
Where two roads meet like
T-Junctions, it makes road
sense to apply the zipper
principle, where one car
from each road moves
ahead alternately.
jam,etc., and is acceptable
even though a road sign
may indicate that the
approaching traffic
has the priority
This situation is very
common during the rush
hour, at road works, in traffic
REGULATING THE ROADS
021
1.6 Exceptions to the rules
1.6.1 Vehicles excluded from the rules
Since emergency vehicles,
fire engines, ambulances or
police vehicles on duty must
be able to get to the scene
of an accident as quickly as
possible, they are entitled
to violate the traffic rules
by breaching a red light or
passing an island on the
wrong side, always provided
of course, that they can do
so safely. To warn other
road users of their presence
and demand free passage,
emergency vehicles are
fitted with a rotating,
flashing light. Sometimes a
siren and/or strobe lights are
used as well.
Slow down and pull over to
the side of the road, stop
completely if necessary.
Always give way for
emergency vehicles.
Oncoming vehicles may
pass at a road worksite unless otherwise
instructed by a sign.
022
REGULATING THE ROADS
Disrupting the passage of
an emergency vehicle or
forcing your way through is
prohibited.
Remember:
•
Emergency Vehicles are
beyond the traffic-rules.
•
To warn other road
users of their presence
and demand free
passage, emergency
vehicles are fitted with
a rotating, flashing light.
•
Sometimes a siren and/
or strobe lights are
used as well.
•
Always make way for
emergency vehicles.
•
Slow down and pull
over to the side of
the road, stopping
completely if necessary.
You are also required to
give priority to:
•
Military vehicles when
moving in convoy
•
Official convoys
•
Rescue vehicle convoys,
etc.
1.7 Duty towards unprotected road users
1.7.1 Respect for pedestrians and cyclists
1.7.2 Courtesy and
interaction
with others
Traffic involves interaction
with other road users.
Pedestrians, cyclists, car
drivers, as well as truck
and bus drivers, share the
same road environment.
As we interact, we also
have to adjust, compromise
and show courtesy to
other road users.
So how do we interact with
other persons in the normal
course of life?
Controlled pedestrian
crossings are defined as
all crossings controlled by
a police officer or a traffic
light. All other types of
crossing are deemed as
uncontrolled pedestrian
crossings, even though
a traffic signal may be
flashing amber.
Avoid overtaking cyclists at
intersections. Keep plenty of
space from the cyclists for
they often wobble.
Probable causes
of pedestrian
crossing accidents:
•
The driver did not
notice or ignored
the pedestrian at the
side of the crossing.
•
The driver’s view
was obstructed,
perhaps by the door
post of his or her car.
•
The driver was going
too fast and had
insufficient time to
watch the road, as
he/she should
•
The driver overtook
a vehicle that had
stopped to allow a
pedestrian to cross
the road.
Slow down and stop if you
see that a pedestrian is
waiting to cross the road.
•
We open doors for
one another.
•
We don’t jump the queue
when waiting at the
supermarket checkout.
•
We are respectful when
we meet as pedestrians.
Why do we behave
differently when we
meet as drivers?
Would we push our way
to get ahead of another
vehicle if we knew that
we would meet the driver
later at work?
The same rules of behaviour
should apply when we are
interacting with other road
users as do in other social
interactions.
REGULATING THE ROADS
023
1.8 Order of traffic precedence
You may run into situations in which several types of instruction are given at once. If you do,
the order of precedence is as follows:
1. Signal given by a
police officer
The green traffic
light is on but
the policeman is
signaling for you
to stop.
The policeman’s
signal takes
precedence.
2. Traffic light
3. Traffic sign
The green traffic
The traffic light
light is on but the
is flashing
sign says Stop.
amber, but the
The signal-light
sign says Stop.
takes precedence
The sign takes
over the traffic
precedence.
sign.
Rules of the Road
024
REGULATING THE ROADS
4. Rules of the road
No police officer,
no traffic light,
and no traffic
sign. Here the
rules of the
road apply, in
this case the
obligation to give
way to vehicles
approaching from
the left.
1.8.1 Signals given by a police officer or other authority figure
Sometimes a police officer is directing the traffic. Usually, the
police will only take over if the traffic lights are out of order or
following an accident or a major public event.
You must also comply with
signals given by the military
police and other persons
officially authorised to
direct traffic.
Signals given by a police officer directing or checking the
traffic take precedence over all else.
Signals given by policemen:
Beckoning a vehicle from the side
vehicles approaching from left
may continue.
All Vehicles must stop
when police man raise his hand.
Slow down
If given from a police car, follow the police
car and Pull over behind it when it stops.
Vehicles approaching from behind and
ahead must stop
both left and right may continue.
Stop
If a police car behind you starts alternately flashing the
blue and red lights mounted on its radiator, pull over to the
side of the road and stop immediately. After a while the
light may change to a steady red. The order to stop may
be preceded by a flash of the headlights.
REGULATING THE ROADS
025
1.9 Give Way and Crossing rules
1.9.1 Give way situations
An obligation to give way requires you to give clear indication
of your intention to give way to other vehicles by slowing
down or stopping in plenty of time.
You must give way:
•
•
026
At uncontrolled
pedestrian crossings
where pedestrians
have already stepped
out or are just
about to step on to
the crossing.
As you turn onto the
road from a parking
lot, a gas station, a
residential area, a
pedestrian way, the
hard shoulder or an
off-road area.
REGULATING THE ROADS
•
This is known as the
Exit or Entering Rule.
•
•
You must not attempt to
pass through the crossing
if by so doing you might
obstruct, impede or
endanger other road users.
•
To traffic coming
up from the left.
Vehicles approaching
a junction or
crossroads from the
left have priority.
To oncoming traffic
as you prepare to
turn left and to all
vehicles using the
carriageway you
will enter as you
make the turn.
•
This is known as the
Left Hand Rule.
This is known as the
Turning rule.
•
As instructed by
traffic lights and
traffic signs.
1.10 Giving and receiving signs and signals
1.10.1 Indicator signal
Sometimes
misunderstandings occur in
traffic. Although this may be
simply due to ignorance, it's
also true that some drivers
tend to interpret signs and
signals in different ways.
Besides watching out for
other people’s signals,
you must also interpret
their meaning. If a signal
is unclear, keep alert
for other clues.
If you are about to stop on
a main road, park or turn
round, your car’s position
will give other drivers a clear
signal, a visual clue as to
what you intend to do next.
Giving a signal does not
release you from the
responsibility in the event
of an accident. In other
words, you must never let
your attention stray or stop
showing consideration for
other road users.
You must signal to other
road users what you intend
to do next when you:
•
Set off the curb or side
of the road,
•
Turn off at a cross roads,
•
Turn onto the road,
•
Change lanes or position
yourself on the road.
All signals must be given in
plenty of time, and they
must be unambiguous and
clearly visible.
Giving a signal does not release you from
responsibility in the event of an accident.
REGULATING THE ROADS
027
1.10 Giving and receiving signs and signals
1.10.2 Horn, lights and hazard signals
1.10.3 Using the horn
at night
Sound signals or horn may
only be used to avert a danger.
If you are driving properly and
safely you will seldom need to
use your horn. And remember,
the fact that sounding your
horn will not exempt you from
responsibility in the event
of a collision.
You must not use your horn
in residential areas from
midnight to 6:00 am, except
to avoid danger from a
moving vehicle.
It can be very useful to use
the proper light signals before
starting to overtake, especially
on fast roads to clear your
intention to other road users.
Flashing your headlights/high
beam have the same meaning
as sounding the horn, no
more no less.
Do not sound your horn:
•
Except to avert danger
•
Longer than necessary
028
REGULATING THE ROADS
•
If you intend to pass a
horse and a rider
Hazard lights must only be
used in the event of an
emergency or accident.
It is very dangerous and
strictly forbidden to use the
hazard lights in heavy rain
as an excuse for high speed.
In a sudden traffic jam or in
congested conditions you
may use the hazard lights
very briefly to inform the
driver behind you that they
need to brake hard.
During the towing, it might
be acceptable to use the
hazard lights of the trailer
being towed. The vehicle up
front must be able to use its
indicators visibly.
If you need to warn
other road users of your
presence at night, flash your
headlights instead.
1.11 Light signals
1.10.4 Stoplights
There are different types of light signals for different categories
of road user. Here are a few of the more common ones.
Stoplights come on
automatically as soon
as you touch the brake.
Traffic lights normally apply to all vehicles. Traffic lights are
set up at crossroads and junctions to increase safety and
ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Even so, many accidents
still occur at light-controlled crossings. Proceed with caution
even if you have a green light.
As you approach an
intersection, a good method
of signaling is to use the
brake light to make your
intentions clear to other road
users in good time and with
sufficient distance.
Now and then it may be
necessary to warn other
road users following you too
closely or when you have
entered a sudden traffic jam/
congestion, by touching the
brake pedal and flashing
your stoplight.
A light signal or traffic sign indicating an obligation to give
way will nearly always apply to you if it is placed on the
right-hand side of the carriageway just before the crossing.
However, if you are in a lane reserved for vehicles that are
about to turn left, the traffic light with its green arrow filter
signal will often be placed to the left of the carriageway.
Do not turn at a light just because you think the road is clear;
make doubly sure that it really is clear before attempting to
go through the crossing.
And far too many motorists, whether intentionally or
unintentionally, go through the red light.
REGULATING THE ROADS
029
1.11 Light signals
Know your lights in the correct order:
1. Steady red light means STOP. Driving through a red light is prohibited.
2. Steady green light means GO.
3. Steady amber light means STOP if you can do so safely. The light is about to change
to red. Brake smoothly!
4. Continuous Flashing amber light serves as a warning; it does not regulate the flow
of traffic. If the traffic light is flashing amber or has been switched off entirely, traffic
signs take precedence.
If there is no traffic sign, typical traffic rules apply.
Other types of light signals:
1. Pedestrian lights are placed at some junctions. As you turn onto another road,
remember that the pedestrian lights may be green. If so, you must Give Way.
2. Controlled pedestrian crossing. Pedestrians who wish to cross the carriageway can
activate a traffic light at a controlled pedestrian crossing.
3. One flashing amber light (or two alternately flashing amber lights) spells danger
and calls for extra care at busy locations or crossing points. This type of flashing
amber light signal is often used to draw the driver’s attention to a pedestrian
crossing or a warning sign.
4. Lane control signs are mounted above the lanes that are open to traffic. A red cross
means that the lane is closed to traffic.
5. Alternately flashing red lights at a fire station, etc. mean Stop.
030
REGULATING THE ROADS
1.12 Defensive driving
Defensive driving enables
you to predict risks and
avoid danger.
Essentially, sensible
defensive driving means
being aware at all times of
the risks involved and
doing your best to
prevent accidents.
It means showing
consideration for road users
who are obviously not as
familiar with the road as
you are. It means respecting
unprotected road users and
showing courtesy and respect
for all those whose skills are
not up to your own.
To drive defensively, you should:
•
Think ahead
•
Always position
safely and keep
to the correct
driving lane
•
Be alert to what is
going on around you
•
Drive with active
observation,
•
Drive at the
correct speed
•
Recognise
traffic hazards
•
Check your rear view
mirror frequently
•
Keep a safe following
distance from the
vehicle in front of you
•
Brake in good time
•
Check the road
before setting off
Defensive driving requires
practice, experience and
a good deal of imagination.
REGULATING THE ROADS
031
Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
1 What is the colour of a roadwork sign?
What is the colour of
a prohibitive sign?
3
5 What is the Turning Rule?
6
8 What is the Obstruction
9
2
Rule?
032
REGULATING THE ROADS
What is the shape of
a warning sign?
4 When does the Left Hand
What is the Main
Road rule?
7 What is the Exit or
What is the Bus Rule?
Rule apply?
Entering Rule?
10 What is Zipper Principle?
REGULATING THE ROADS
033
Chapter Two
INSIDE THE
CITY LIMITS
2.1 Inside the city limits
2.1.1 Positioning where several lanes lead to the same direction –
inside the city limits
To avoid accidents, you must
position your car correctly,
which means thinking far
enough ahead to avoid having
to change lanes at the last
second. The one sure way to
avoid a collision is to keep to
your lane at all times, following
its course as marked on the
road, even though a straighter,
simpler path may sometimes
appear more suitable to you.
1. Straight ahead
2. Turning right
3. Turning left
•
To continue straight
ahead, choose the
lane best suited to
your onward journey
in plenty of time.
•
To turn right, choose
the right-hand lane
best suited to you in
plenty of time.
•
To turn left, choose
the left-hand lane
best suited to you in
plenty of time.
•
Avoid unnecessary
lane changes by
thinking ahead.
•
Avoid unnecessary
lane changes by
thinking ahead.
•
Avoid unnecessary
lane changes by
thinking ahead.
•
The lane arrows help
you to choose the
correct lane.
•
The lane arrows
help you choose the
correct lane.
•
The lane arrows
help you choose the
correct lane.
036
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
2.1.2 One way traffic
One-way traffic means that you can drive only in one direction.
The streets are marked with the One-way traffic sign at the
beginning of the block and apply until the next junction. To
prevent traffic from entering in the wrong direction a No Entry
sign is posted at an appropriate point.
To turn left from a one-way
street, keep as far to the left
as possible.
One-way traffic means that you can drive only
in one direction.
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
037
2.1 Within city limits
2.1.3 Roundabouts
Roundabouts make it easier
to enter junctions and
intersections in light-traffic
areas and, giving priority to the
vehicles inside the roundabout,
can make roads safer. Since
all approaching vehicles must
give way to those already on
the roundabout, the risk of
colliding with another vehicle is
greatly reduced.
Roundabouts are essentially
no different from an ordinary
crossroads, with one or more
lanes encircling a central island.
To avoid having to stop or
hesitate about where to turn
off, think well ahead. And
expect large or oversized
vehicles to need more than one
lane to turn.
038
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
When you exit from a
roundabout you may have to
change lanes, so it is especially
important to keep an eye
open for vehicles that may be
coming up from the right.
Maintain the same lane before,
during, and when exiting
the roundabout.
•
To turn right, get into
the right hand lane.
•
To turn left, move
over into the
left-hand lane.
•
The illustration above
shows how the Give
Way and Roundabout
signs together signal
your obligation
to give way.
•
Always signal your
intention to leave
the roundabout by
flashing your right
hand indicator.
Use the right indicator when
deciding to exit
the roundabout.
When approaching a junction,
maintain the same lane before
and after crossing.
2.2 Using your eyes and other senses
2.2.1 Scanning technique, peripheral vision and central visual field
The central visual field
represents the tiny area in
which the image is actually
in focus. Everything else is
blurred. Obviously, then, it
is essential to keep shifting
your gaze in order to scan
every part of the road ahead.
The important thing to
realise is that the two
fields of vision, central and
peripheral, complement
each other perfectly.
Your peripheral vision
enables you to discover
things, while your central
field of vision, where the
objects are in focus, enables
you to recognize them.
There is a reason why road
users sometimes fail to
recognize and react to the
key elements of their traffic
environment. A driver’s
scanning technique, or
how and when to read and
interpret the driving when
proceeding along the road is
crucial in helping to identify
the overall conditions which
could end up in an accident.
Tests have shown that
scanning techniques
vary between individual
drivers and tend to
change and advance in
step with the driver’s
advancing experience.
The red spot is the only part of
the retina where we perceive
objects as being sharply
in focus. It corresponds to
our direct or central field of
vision. It is a curious fact that,
of everything we see, only 2
percent is in full focus.
Everything else in our
peripheral field of vision
is more or less out of
focus, or blurred. Even if
you have perfect eyesight,
the sharpness or acuity of
your peripheral vision is
actually less than 0.1 on the
acuity scale.
Experienced drivers
make better use of their
peripheral vision and they
tend to scan the road more
systematically than novice
or inexperienced drivers.
Novice or inexperienced
drivers on the other hand,
tend to concentrate more
on stationary objects and
keep their eyes close to
their own vehicle.
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
039
2.2 Using your eyes and other senses
2.2.2 Visual defects - visual acuity and the visual field
Good visual acuity and an
unimpaired visual field,
that is to say sharp vision
and an unobstructed view,
are fundamental to correct
decisions in complicated
traffic situations. Your eyes
provide you with 90% of all
the information you need to
manage your car in traffic,
so any visual defect is likely
to affect your driving in one
way or another.
Driving in the dark is
especially tough on your
eyes. Some drivers become
shortsighted at night
and may need corrective
lenses; others suffer loss
of visual acuity because
of a reduction in their
sensitivity to contrast
or the eye’s ability to
distinguish between various
shades of grey.
040
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
It is important to realise that
poor eyesight can seriously
impair your driving ability.
Your eyes provide you with
90% of all the information
you need to manage your
car in traffic
2.3 Lanes
2.3.1 Queuing / lanes
2.3.2 Changing lanes and passing other vehicles in lanes
more dangerous on fast
roads. It is clear from the
number of accidents caused
by speeding and failure to
warn other drivers when
attempting a lane change.
Frequent overtaking on the
right and left that leads to
confusion of traffic flow and
disturbance to other road
users is doubly dangerous.
A prohibitory line separating
two lanes means:
Do not change lanes!
In a queue, traffic jam or
other congested conditions,
collisions or pile-ups
frequently occur simply
because the vehicles
involved were driving too
fast or were too close and
unable to brake in time.
By looking well ahead
and keeping track of the
vehicles further up the road
you can steer clear of such
accidents. This makes it
much easier to adjust your
speed to an appropriate
level, since the stop lights of
the cars up ahead will warn
you when it is time to slow
down and you will have more
chance to react if you have
to stop in a hurry.
Drivers may change lanes
only if they can do so safely
and without causing any
unnecessary hindrance to
other road users.
A driver observing that
another road user wishes to
enter his or her lane should
facilitate entrance into the
lane by adjusting his or her
speed appropriately.
If you see that another
road user wishes to enter
your lane, do all you can to
assist him/her. The easiest
way is to leave plenty of
space between you and the
vehicle ahead.
If you yourself wish to
change lanes, think ahead
and move over well in
advance of the prohibitory
lines commonly found
at junctions and on
stretches of road where
local conditions make lane
changing unsuitable.
Help keep the traffic flowing
- drive in the correct lane.
In some cases, you may
pass another vehicle on
the right without feeling
that you are passing on
the wrong side.
Some drivers insist on
changing lanes constantly,
frequently, dangerously
and without good reason.
These actions are even
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
041
2.3 Lanes
2.3.3 Things to consider
It's permissible to pass from right side in the
following situations:
•
In a congested traffic
where the right lane is
open;
•
The overhead signs
above the lanes show
that the lanes lead to
different destinations;
•
Drivers are keeping to
their own correct lanes
before negotiating a
junction;
•
in place where any
action is prohibited
according to traffic
instructions, signs and
indicationsYou may pass
on the right hand side, of
a vehicle that has clearly
indicated that it is about
to turn left.
Changing lanes quickly, efficiently and safely:
•
Adapt your speed to
local conditions.
•
Check the traffic all
around. Use your
mirrors, and don’t
forget your car’s
blind spot. Check
your side mirror!
•
When the closest
vehicle has drawn
level, signal that
you wish to change
lanes and check
the reactions of
other drivers.
042
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
•
As you turn the
wheel, check your
side mirror and
glance quickly over
your shoulder again
to check for any
vehicles that may be
hidden in your car’s
blind spot.
•
Move smoothly over
into the other lane,
accelerating gently
as you do so.
•
Plan ahead. Choose
your route wisely.
•
The signs above the
lanes correspond to
the lanes marked on
the carriageway. A
prohibit line between
lanes means that
changing lanes is
forbidden. Lane
indication signs
make it easier for
drivers to select the
correct lane in time.
2.4 Overtaking and crossing junctions inside the city limits
2.4.1 Pedestrian Crossing
2.4.2 Elderly and disabled
pedestrians
Overtaking and crossing junctions, bends and hills
Exceptions to the
overtaking restrictions
Overtaking is prohibited:
You may overtake:
•
Just before or while
crossing a junction or
intersection
•
•
At places where your
view of the road is
obstructed, such as at
the brow of a hill or at a
bend on the road
If the vehicle ahead of
you has clearly indicated
by a visual signal and its
position on the road that
it is about to turn left,
and if you overtake on
the right side.
School crossing patrols help
school children to cross a
busy and crowded street
Many people suffer from
some form of disability.
Disabilities may be visible,
signaled or invisible.
Persons with invisible
disabilities are less easy
to recognize, so it is often
difficult for motorists to
show them the courtesy and
consideration they are due.
Any number of common
conditions can lead to an
invisible disability. So if you
see someone you know or
suspect to be challenged
in any way, slowdown
in plenty of time and be
prepared to give way.
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
043
2.4 Overtaking and crossing junctions inside the city limits
2.4.3 Children and traffic
Children live in a world of their
own and should really be kept
away from roads and traffic
altogether, but since this is
not always possible, the driver
should learn something about
how they behave.
School crossing patrols
help school children to
cross a busy and crowded
street on the way to and
from the school. The patrols
alert drivers that there are
children on the road.
A child should be treated as
a living warning sign. And the
responsibility for ensuring that
there won’t be an accident
is yours. After all, the person
with the experience, with the
ability to foresee potential
danger, is you, not the child.
Children playing in or near
the road may not be thinking
about the traffic. Watch out
for the ball. Watch out
for the child
044
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
Remember:
1. Children are small.
They are not easy
to see when they
are playing behind a
parked car.
2. A child’s eyesight is
not fully developed.
A young person’s
eyesight is not
fully developed
until around the
age of fifteen. A
child’s visual field
is therefore limited.
Children don’t see
things ‘out of the
corner of their eye.’
They have specific
vision, i.e. they tend
to see only one thing
at a time.
3. Children are
impulsive. They act
on impulse, without
stopping to consider
the consequences.
More often than
not they run rather
than walk across
the street.
4. Children are always
at play. For children,
everything is a
game. They live in
a world of fantasy
and imagination
and have little
understanding of the
dangers of the road.
5. Children do not
become reasonable
and safe in traffic
until they are 9-12
years old.
6. Children are poor
judges of speed
and distance.
2.5 Stopping, parking and turning
2.5.1 Sudden,
abrupt stopping
2.5.2 Stopping and parking
on the carriageway side
could suddenly open just as
you are passing.
As a general rule, you
should stop or park on
the right-hand side of
the road. Stopping or
parking on the pavement is
strictly prohibited.
Many accidents occur due
to vehicles stopping abruptly
without prior warning, causing
the following vehicle to collide
with the offending vehicle. An
even worse habit observed
on the roads is when a driver
sharply cuts across another
vehicle. This is quite common
among taxi drivers, when
they suddenly see a potential
customer waiting by the
side of the road.
Never cut across other
vehicles suddenly, whether
in order to turn or to
pick up a passenger.
It is advisable, in addition
to giving the correct signal,
to press gently on your
brake pedal several times
as an added precaution
to alert drivers behind you
and give them time to take
appropriate action.
Drivers may not simply stop
or park wherever they like in
a manner that represents
a danger or obstructs
traffic unnecessarily.
A vehicle halted on or at
the side of the road may
seriously impede the flow
of traffic. It may obstruct
other drivers’ view of the
road and force other vehicles
towards or across the
centerline; or it may simply
make things more difficult
for other people using the
road. The more it obstructs
other drivers’ view of the
road, the greater the danger
it represents, particularly
on roads where the traffic
is moving fast.
Watch out for cars parked
by the side of the road.
If someone is inside the
vehicle, one of the doors
Many
accidents
occur
due to vehicles
stopping
abruptly
without
prior warning,
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
045
2.5 Stopping, parking and turning
Stopping/Waiting and Parking:
What’s the difference?
As soon as you pull up,
you are considered to have
stopped. As long as you
remain behind the wheel with
or without engine running,
you are considered to be
waiting. And, the moment
you go out of the car after
stopping, you are said to have
parked your car.
Things to remember when you leave your vehicle:
•
Never stop or park where you might cause an
obstruction or represent a danger to
other vehicles.
•
Make sure the handbrake is firmly on before you
leave the car.
•
Take the key out of the ignition and lock your car.
•
When you park
downhill, turn your
front wheels towards
the curb to prevent
the car from running
forward downhill in
the event of parking
brake failure. As an
extra precaution, it
is advisable to leave
your car in reverse
gear rather than
in neutral.
•
When you park up hill,
turn your front wheels
to the opposite side
of the curb to prevent
the car from running
backwards downhill
in the event of parking
brake failure. As an
extra precaution, it
is advisable to leave
your car in first gear
rather than in neutral.
Stopping and waiting is prohibited in the following places. And, naturally, where you cannot
stop or park.
046
•
Within 15 meters of a
junction/crossing or
pedestrian crossing.
•
At any place where
you might conceal
a road sign or
traffic light.
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
•
In an underpass
or tunnel.
•
On or just before or
after a bend in the
road or at the brow
of a hill.
•
On roads or
tracks reserved
for pedestrians
or cyclists.
•
In restricted areas.
•
At T-junctions.
Parking is prohibited in the following places
•
•
At places where you
might hinder access
to or exit from a
building or site.
the side of the road.
•
Alongside another
parked vehicle or any
equipment installed at
In front of a fire
hydrant or at any
location reserved
for handicapped/
disabled persons or
ambulances.
•
In assigned parkings
with any of the tires
touching or on the
marking-lines.
•
At a bus stop.
•
A Disabled Persons
sign means that only
disabled persons
holding special
permits may park in
the space(s) marked.
No Stopping/Parking signs
•
Wherever the No
Stopping or Parking
sign is posted,
stopping and parking
are both strictly
prohibited.
•
A Parking Prohibited
sign means that
although you may
stop to pick up or
drop off passengers
or goods, you must
do so without
unnecessary delay.
2.5.3 U-turns
Some junctions have
provision allowing U-turns to
be made. Here you will have
to position the vehicle in the
left lane and make the U-turn
at the junction. Remember
to give way to all oncoming
traffic. At junctions with traffic
lights and where U-turns are
allowed, oncoming traffic will
normally have red light.
Designated U-turn sites
work in the same way. Even
here, you will have to give
way to all oncoming traffic.
2.5.4 Changing direction by means of a U-turn or reversing
If you find yourself traveling
in the wrong direction and
have to turn around, make
sure you turn at a place
where other road users will
be able to see you clearly. If
you have to reverse, always
reverse into the minor road.
When reversing, watch out
for children.
The responsibility for any
mishap will be entirely yours.
Making a U turn is only
permitted from the left lane
and only if you can turn
safely and without causing
unnecessary hindrance to
other road users.
Where the traffic flow is
heavy and the speed is
high, do the changing of
your direction at one of the
designated U-turn sites
or keep going to a more
suitable location further
down the road.
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
047
Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
1 What is the action when turning to left?
2
What should be your basic
positioning on a one-way
traffic with several lanes?
3
How do you change lane
and pass other vehicles
on the road?
4
5
When is it permissible to
pass from the right side?
6
What are the situations
where overtaking is not
permissible?
7 What is the difference
What are the spots
where parking is not
permissible?
9
What should be your
basic position in twoway traffic for performing
a U-turn?
10 What are the things you
8
048
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
How do you behave when
driving in a queue inside
the city limits?
between parking and
waiting?
need to remember when
leaving the car?
INSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
049
Chapter Three
OUTSIDE THE
CITY LIMITS
3.1 Outside city limits
3.1.1 Safety check before setting out You must be able to carry
out a systematic check of
your car, taking into account
the weather, your destination
and the state of the road.
The driver’s manual will give
you advice and instructions.
During the practical
training, you will learn
how to do a systematic
check of your car.
Always adapt to local traffic conditions.
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3.1.2 Things to consider when leaving town 3.1.2.1 Speed limits
Driving speed must never
exceed the speed at which
the driver can maintain safe
control of the vehicle and
bring it to a halt on the
carriageway or hard shoulder.
This means that the distance
needed to slow the car to a
halt must be clear and free
of any visible or anticipated
obstacle on the road ahead.
Major roads mean high
speeds. And high speeds
are perfectly acceptable
provided nothing gets in the
way. Remember that hitting
another vehicle at 40 km/h,
which is not particularly
fast, is equivalent to falling
onto a concrete floor from
a height of 10 meters
for the occupants of the
vehicles involved, the impact
is murderous.
Always adapt to local traffic
conditions.
The maximum speed limit on
the major roads in UAE is
140 km/h
inside the city, the speed
limit is usually 80 km/h,
Outside built-up areas, the
standard speed
limit is 100 km/h.
Fortunately, the recipe for
avoiding collisions is simple:
anticipate, observe, adapt.
3.1.2.2 Adapting your speed
You must also adapt your
speed to the state of the
traffic, the weather, visibility,
the weight of your load, the
condition of your vehicle,
and, above all, your own
abilities. Do not base your
driving on what you think.
Base it on what you see and
on what you know.
Hidden danger
As you travel down the road,
you must be able to bring
your vehicle to a halt well
before reaching an obstacle
on the road ahead, whether
real or potential. As a driver,
you must teach yourself to
predict what could be hidden
behind a parked car, behind
a hedge or round the next
bend. This ability comes
only with practice.
The road
Naturally, you must also
adapt your speed to the
condition of the road you are
driving on. On gravel roads,
the braking distance is much
longer than on asphalt, and
a wet asphalt road is more
slippery than a dry one.
Teach yourself to ‘read’
the road and predict where
danger might lurk: at bends,
on hills, on wet patches, and
many other places.
Driver limitations
Never allow speed to get the
upper hand. Stay in control
of your car at all times.
Many drivers overestimate
their own abilities and drive
dangerously fast. This is
why single-vehicle accidents
are the most common type
of accident on main roads
outside built-up areas.
The vehicle
Performance varies greatly
from one car to the next
and even more so from
motorcycle to motorcycle.
So, if you borrow a vehicle
you’re unfamiliar with, make
sure you take things easy.
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053
3.1 Outside city limits
3.1.2.3 The road
Avoid accidents as much as possible. All vehicles must be driven at an appropriately low speed:
054
•
In built-up areas
•
Where visibility is
poor owing to bad
weather or poor light
•
view of the road is
restricted
•
Wherever there might
be a risk of dazzle
At pedestrian
crossings or other
places where
pedestrians
cross the road
•
On encountering an
oncoming vehicle on
a narrow road
•
On slippery roads
•
At crossroads
and junctions
•
•
At sharp bends
•
At the brow of a hill or
wherever the driver’s
When approaching a
bus, tram or school
transport vehicle
that has stopped to
set down or pick up
passengers
OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
•
When approaching
children on or by
the side of the
carriageway
•
When approaching
animals on the
road ahead
•
At road works
•
At the scene of
an accident
•
When the road
surface is muddy
and you might splash
pedestrians or other
road users
3.1.2.4 Speed blindness
It is all too easy to become
accustomed to high speeds,
to become speed blind.
After a while, the motorway
actually seems pleasurable.
You enjoy traveling fast.
Then your exit comes up.
Turning off the motorway
is easy and when the
speed limit sign appears
you wonder whether your
speedometer is showing
the correct reading. By the
time you’ve slowed down
to 60 km/h the car feels
practically at a standstill.
This is something you
will almost certainly
experience at first hand and
it is very seldom that the
speedometer will be wrong.
Instead, what nearly always
happens is that you have
lost your sense of speed.
It is only when you need
to slow down quickly that
you realise what speed is
all about. A car doing 60
km/h on a dry road needs
about 35 meters of road to
stop. If you are traveling
at 120 km/h, you will need
about 110 meters.
In other words, whenever
you accelerate, it is vital
to consider your
stopping distance.
Speed blindness is
dangerous first and foremost
in that you tend to misjudge
your braking distance.
Unless you keep an eye
on your speedometer, you
can easily find yourself
traveling 20-30 km/h faster
than you think.
One factor contributing to
speed blindness is a lack
of stimuli needed for the
driver to form an accurate
impression of his or her
true speed. As modern
cars handle smoothly and
without excess noise even
at high speeds, we are often
unaware of how fast they
can actually travel.
In addition, monotonous
driving on straight, wellmade roads offers little in
the way of visual variation.
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055
3.1 Outside city limits
3.1.2.5 Tunnel vision
3.1.2.6 Bends
Too much acceleration
can cause the wheels,
particularly on rear-wheel
drive vehicles, to lose their
grip and skid resulting
the vehicle swinging off
the road. Increase the
speed only when you have
straightened the wheel as
you leave the bend.
Tunnel vision causes the
visual field to ‘narrow’ with
increasing speed. The faster
you drive, the further ahead
you fix your gaze. In other
words, you see things only
in a small portion of your
visual field and therefore
fail to observe things off to
one side. To avoid tunnel
vision, adapt your speed
to local conditions and
keep shifting your gaze.
Scan all parts of the road
ahead. When driving at high
speed, counteract tunnel
vision by scanning.
Keep in mind also that
tunnel vision can be caused
by or aggravated by stress.
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A bend can feel like a sharp
corner to a driver who
approaches it too fast - with
disastrous results. There are
no hard and fast rules. You
will have to judge the correct
position and the proper
and correct speed for the
corner or bend.
The secret of dealing with
bends is to slow down
before the bent. Use the
accelerator so that the
engine is doing just enough
work to drive the vehicle
round the bend without
going faster.
The correct speed at a
corner or bend will depend
on a number of things,
including how sharp it is
and whether there is other
traffic about.
Judging the correct road
speed as you approach
bends and corners takes
practice and experience. The
correct speed is the one that
takes your vehicle around
the bend under full control
with the greatest safety for
you, your passengers and
other road users.
The speed should depend on
the type and condition of the
road, the sharpness of the
bend, the camber or surface
curve of the road, visibility
and the weather conditions.
When reducing speed before
entering a bend, take your
foot off the accelerator and
reduce the vehicle speed
to the road speed using the
foot-brake progressively.
If necessary, change to
a lower gear.
You should reduce the
speed before you turn.
3.1.2.7 Skidding
Avoid braking on a bend.
This can make your
vehicle unstable.
The sharper the bend, the
more drastic the effects
of braking and the more
likely the vehicle is to skid.
Brake before the bend, if any
braking is necessary.
Do not confuse ‘using
the accelerator’ with
‘accelerating’, which means
going faster. When dealing
with bends ‘using the
accelerator’ means using
it just enough to drive the
vehicle around the bend.
Drive at a safe speed while
keeping the right amount
of load on the engine
and the right amount of
grip on the road.
Where vision is restricted, be
prepared to meet oncoming
vehicles, pedestrians or
obstructions, such as slowmoving or broken-down
vehicles, without much
advance warning.
Look well ahead for
changes in the camber of
the road, which could affect
your control.
Remember
•
You slow down before the bent and you have to use the
accelerator so that the engine is doing just enough work to
drive the vehicle round the bend without going faster.
•
Adjust your speed and do not go into the bend too fast.
•
The correct speed at a bend will depend on a number of
things, including how sharp it is and whether there is other
traffic about.
•
Too much acceleration can cause your vehicle’s wheel
to loose grip and skid. Increase the speed only when you
have straightened the wheel as you leave the bend.
•
Judging the correct road speed as you approach bends
and corners take practice and experience.
•
Avoid braking in a bend: this can make your vehicle
unstable. The sharper the bend, the more drastic the
effects of braking and more likely the vehicle is to skid.
Brake before the bend, if any braking is necessary.
•
Where vision is restricted be prepared to meet oncoming
vehicles, pedestrians or obstructions, such as slowmoving or broken-down vehicles.
OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
057
3.1 Outside city limits
3.1.2.8 Keeping your distance: The three-second rule
What is the correct distance to keep between you and another vehicle?
The three-second rule is an
easy way to measure the
distance to a car in front of
you on main-road driving. As
you drive, choose an obvious
reference point on the road
ahead, such as a palm tree
or a shadow from a bridge.
When the car in front of you
passes that point, start to
count - one hundred and
one ... one hundred and two
... one hundred and three. If
you pass that point before
reaching one hundred and
three, you are driving too
close. Take your foot off
the accelerator!
If the driver ahead applies
the brake, it will normally
take about a second for
you to react and apply the
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OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
brakes yourself. In this time,
you and your vehicle will
have covered 17 meters
if you are traveling at 60
km/h, 22 meters at 80 km/h
and 33 meters at 120 km/h
before you react.
stop lights of the vehicles
ahead will give you ample
warning that it is time to
slow down, and you will
have more time to react if
you have to bring your car to
a sudden stop.
Keep your distance, and
always scan the road as far
ahead as you can!
Some people believe that
they save time by driving
fast. However, this is a
misconception and an
unfortunate one, for it
creates unnecessary stress
and is the cause of many
unnecessary accidents.
Try to concentrate primarily
on what is happening to
the cars further up the
road, which is easier if you
are not following exactly
in the tracks of the vehicle
immediately ahead. If this is
impractical, try to scan the
traffic by looking through
the windows of the vehicles
further along the road. The
For example, if your average
speed is 80km/h and you
accelerate to 100km/h, the
time you will save will be as
little as 1 minute over the
next 10 kilometers.
3.2 Road works
3.2.1 Dealing with road workers
Road repairmen work under considerable pressure. Not only must they concentrate on
their work, but they must also be on the constant lookout for oncoming traffic. So show
consideration for people doing a tough job, slow down in good time and keep well clear of the
repair works site.
Some ways you can reduce risks on the road:
•
Keep a sufficient distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead.
•
Apply the three-second rule.
•
If someone is driving too close on your tail, take your foot off the accelerator and to
increase the safety margin.
•
Be prepared for action at all times, i.e. by being extra alert whenever you think
things could start getting dangerous
•
Be prepared to brake, i.e. by moving your foot over to the brake pedal and being
ready to stop in the shortest possible distance.
•
Adjust your distance to the vehicle ahead depending on the speed of the traffic and
the state of the road.
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059
3.3 Ordinary roads
3.3.1 Turning onto a major road temporarily on the wrong
side of the center line.
Be aware of traffic coming
towards you from the other
direction, i.e. from the right;
someone may decide to
overtake just as you start
making your turn.
Stop and wait at the stop
line until the road is free
of oncoming traffic in
both directions.
Before turning into a major
road, you must give some
thought to the speed of
the vehicles you are likely
to encounter on it. An
oncoming car doing 80 km/h
covers 22 meters a second,
meaning that by the time you
start moving and turn onto
the road, which will probably
take 5 to 6 seconds, it will
have closed the gap between
you by some 120 meters.
Clearly then, to give the other
driver plenty of time to brake,
you should continue waiting
at the stop-line unless your
car and the oncoming car
are at least 300 meters
apart. However often you
can’t see nearly that far,
especially in poor light.
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The hard shoulder is
primarily a safety zone
serving as a refuge for
broken-down vehicles. Use
the shoulder sensibly. And
be aware of the risks! Never
use the shoulder at night
or in poor light. Parking is
prohibited on roads outside
built-up areas. Naturally, this
also applies to the shoulder.
When you overtake or pass
a large lorry or bus, be
prepared for turbulence,
which may affect
your steering.
You must give way to all
vehicles on the main road.
This includes any vehicle
that may be in the process
of overtaking and are hence
While you are waiting to
move out, a car coming
up from the left with its
right-hand indicators
flashing, may signal its
intention to turn to the right
onto your road.
Don’t trust it.
Remain where you are
until you know it is safe.
A quick assessment of
the risks involved should
remind you that:
•
Drivers often forget
their indicators ON, and
sometimes turn them on
accidentally.
•
In addition to that, a
vehicle that is indicating
could be hiding another
vehicle behind.
3.3.2 Estimating the meeting point when overtaking
Suppose you wish to
overtake a vehicle ahead.
The road is perfectly straight
and visibility is excellent. In
the distance you can see an
oncoming car. Is there time
to overtake, or would it be
safer to wait?
It is a recognized fact that
the human brain is poorly
equipped to absorb all of
the relevant information and
perform the calculations
necessary to form an
accurate assessment of
the situation.
And indeed, the calculation
is a tricky one, so you
must determine:
Overtaking does not usually
end in a catastrophe,
Check the road
Mirrors
(Center & Side)
Check the blind spot
then switch the indicator
Check the road again
Start over taking
Back to the right when
you see the car which
being overtaken in the
center mirror
although quite often that
is only because one of the
vehicles - the oncoming car
or the one being overtaken is forced to take action and
either brake or pull over onto
the shoulder. And, of course,
that is not how overtaking
should be done!
Imagine if we had a better
understanding of the force
to which a body traveling
at 90 km/h is subjected as
it is brought to a sudden
stop. Almost certainly, we
would quickly develop a
healthy respect for speed
and acquire a deeper, more
personal understanding of
its role in accidents and
death on the roads.
•
The distance
between you and the
oncoming vehicle
•
The speed of the
oncoming vehicle
•
The distance
required to
overtake the vehicle
ahead of you
•
The point at which
you will meet the
oncoming vehicle
•
Whether you will
be able to overtake
the vehicle ahead
in good time
before meeting the
oncoming vehicle.
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061
3.3 Ordinary roads
3.3.3 Overtaking distance Overtaking calls for good
judgment and cooperation
between several different
people. Speed differences,
weak engines, distances,
hidden dangers and a
confused traffic environment
can all give rise to serious
errors of judgment.
Before you overtake,
ask yourself the
following questions:
The speed of an oncoming
vehicle is notoriously
difficult to judge with any
accuracy, and this makes it
all the more difficult to judge
your overtaking distance.
3. How long will I need to
overtake?
1. What will I gain by
overtaking?
Help the other
driver to overtake
by keeping as far
over to the right
as possible.
•
Don’t speed up.
Speeding up when
being overtaken
prolong the process
of overtaking, which
will create a risk.
•
If things start
getting dangerous,
do everything you
can to help the
other driver.
4. How fast is the
oncoming vehicle
traveling?
6. How fast can I overtake?
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•
2. How far ahead can I
see?
5. How quickly can I
accelerate?
062
When someone else
overtakes you:
The three stages of overtaking:
Stage 1
1. Check the road as far ahead as you can and get ready to overtake. Remember that
the vehicle in front of you may mask obstacles or vehicles further up the road.
2. Make sure that when you overtake you will be able to speed up sufficiently to allow
you to pass quickly and safely.
3. Use your mirror and check your blind spot to ensure that a vehicle coming up from
behind is not overtaking you. Switch on your left hand indicator.
4. Check the road once again to make sure that the vehicle you wish to overtake is not
masking an obstacle further up the road, e.g. on the shoulder.
5. Make sure that the driver ahead of you does not intend to turn left.
6. In the event of a danger, actual or potential, flash your lights or sound your horn.
7. Remember that cars may suddenly emerge out of side roads.
Stage 2
1. Overtake the vehicle ahead as quickly as you can
without exceeding the speed limit.
2. Leave plenty of room to the side.
3. If you suddenly see a car coming from the
opposite direction, or if you are in the
slightest doubt, DO NOT OVERTAKE. And use your
right hand indicator!
Stage 3
•
Don’t move back
into the right
hand lane until
you can see
the overtaken
vehicle in your
central mirror.
4. Don’t look at the other vehicle while you are in
the process of overtaking. You may find yourself
steering in the direction you are looking.
5. Avoid sudden swerves.
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063
3.3 Ordinary roads
3.3.4 Overtaking rules
for main roads 3.3.5 Turning off a road: Right and left turn
A driver may overtake
another vehicle provided he
can do so without danger.
junction with left hand turns
involve vehicles coming
up from behind, but the
sole responsibility for such
accidents, says the law,
belongs to the driver who
attempted to make the turn.
However, overtaking another
vehicle is prohibited:
•
If the lane in which you
intend to overtake is
blocked by an oncoming
vehicle or some other
obstacle.
•
On roads with only one
lane in each direction,
therefore, crossing the
centerline is prohibited
if there is traffic coming
from the other direction.
•
If a vehicle ahead of you
signals a left-hand turn
or pulls over to the left.
•
If a vehicle behind you
begins to overtake.
•
If, after overtaking, you
would be unable to
move back into the right
hand lane.
Before turning left, it is
essential to check
the road in both directions.
To turn off a major road,
use your mirror in good time
before the turn and check
for any traffic that may be
approaching from behind.
Then, give your signal and
move into an appropriate
position on the carriageway
some 300 to 400 meters
before the turn comes up.
To turn right, of course, you
move over to the right as far
as you can, not only to make
room for other road users, but
also to indicate that you will
shortly be slowing down and
turning off. If possible, check
the blind spot via a shoulder
check. Remember to check
the speedometer as you could
have become speed-blind.
About two thirds of all
accidents occurring in a
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When you turn left you must
give way to all oncoming
traffic. The law clearly
states that turning left at a
junction is permissible only
if the turn can be negotiated
safely and without
obstruction to oncoming
traffic and vehicles coming
up from behind.
Prepare the turn in good
time and take up a position
close to the centerline. As
we have seen, it is quite
difficult to estimate the
speed of an oncoming car,
so if there is traffic coming
in the opposite direction and
you are uncertain whether
you will be able to make
it across the road in time,
slow down sufficiently to
enable you to make the
turn after the oncoming
vehicles have passed.
If you need to stop, do so
a few meters before the
junction with your front
wheels pointing in a forward
direction - if a car were to
run into you from behind and
3.3.6 Using lay-bys, stopping, parking and
making U-turns
your wheels were pointing
left, you could be forced over
into the left-hand lane and
cause a head-on collision.
So keep your wheels straight,
and do not cut the corner.
Remember
•
Give your signal
in plenty of time.
•
Positioning
your vehicle
correctly keeps
the traffic flowing
and makes
things easier for
you and other
road users.
•
The position
of your vehicle
helps to inform
other road
users of your
intentions.
•
Move into an
appropriate
position on the
road as soon
as you have
made the turn.
If for some reason you should
decide to stop on a main road,
you should preferably pull up
at one of the special lay-bys
or parking places spaced at
regular intervals along the
side of the road. A car parked
on a main road is always a
potential hazard, so if you
have to stop, pull over to the
right as far as you possibly
can. If your car has broken
down, set out your triangular
warning sign.
Do not make U-turns on the
road unless you can see
what is coming. Any driving
manoeuvres you make
on a main road must be
carried out without having
to obstruct or interfere with
other traffic.
Note also that parking on a
primary road outside a
built-up area is prohibited.
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065
3.4 Driving on motorways
On a motorway it is
prohibited to:
•
Drive a vehicle
designed for
speeds of less
than 60 km/h
•
Stop
•
Park
•
Reverse
•
Turn around/
make a U-turn
•
Walk •
Cycle
Motorways differ from
ordinary roads since
they are designed to help
traffic travel faster and in
greater safety. This puts
greater demands on both
driver and vehicle.
Traffic traveling faster
means that conditions
change more rapidly. You
need to be alert and have
total concentration.
While safer in many
respects, fast, smooth
roads do, however, have
disadvantages. For example,
their lack of variation
makes driving monotonous
and, consequently, the
drivers get tired.
Motorways are statistically
safer than other roads with
regards to the number
of accidents occurring.
However, when accidents
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do happen on the motorway,
they occur at higher speeds
and involve more vehicles.
As a result, injuries are
usually more serious,
and often there is greater
loss of life.
You will quickly get used
to driving on high-speed
roads and can easily
become speed-blind. This
leads you to believe you
are traveling much slower
than you actually are, with
the result that you tend to
drive too close to the vehicle
ahead. Speed-blind drivers
are all too often involved in
motorway pile-ups.
This section deals with the
special skills you need to
drive safely on a motorway,
and the situations you’re
likely to meet.
3.4.1 Entering a motorway The faster the traffic, the
more time and space you
need for every driving action.
You must give yourself
greater margins, keeping
your distance, than you
would on ordinary roads.
Always make sure there is
enough space between you
and the vehicle ahead.
Traffic travels faster
because there are usually no
ordinary junctions, no sharp
bends, roundabouts, steep
hills or traffic lights.
At an entry point where a slip
road leads to the motorway,
adjust your speed to that
of the traffic already on the
motorway before joining it.
Give priority to traffic already
on the motorway. Join where
there is a suitable gap in
the right hand lane. A quick
sideways glance might
be necessary to verify the
position of other vehicles.
Try to avoid stopping at the
end of the slip road unless
you are queuing to join
other slow moving traffic.
Remember that when you
leave the slip road you will
be changing lanes, which
means that the responsibility
for avoiding accidents will
be entirely yours.
Leave a gap of at least one
meter for each km/h of your
speed. A useful method of
judging this is to use the
three-second rule.
This rule is reinforced on
some motorways, where
chevrons – or V-shaped
spacer markings – are
painted on the motorway
surface. Keep at least two
chevrons between you and
the vehicle in front.
Tailgating (driving too
close to the car in front) is
a very dangerous practice,
especially on motorways,
where it is often the cause of
serious accidents.
After you pass an exit,
there is usually a slip road
entrance where other
vehicles can gradually join
the motorway.
You should help other drivers join the motorway by:
•
Slowing down and
making space
•
Speeding up if
appropriate
•
Not trying to race
them while they are
on the slip road
•
Looking well ahead
if there are several
vehicles joining
the motorway. Be
prepared to adjust
your speed.
•
Moving over into
the left hand lane,
providing you can do
so safely, to make
it easier for joining
traffic to merge.
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067
3.4 Driving on motorways
3.4.2 Lane discipline and changing lanes The left hand lane is for
overtaking, and once you
have overtaken you should
return to the right hand lane
as soon as it is safe to do so.
It is not meant to be used as
a ‘fast lane’.
Because of the volume
of traffic on three-lane
motorways, many are being
widened to four or more
lanes in each direction.
Keep to one of the right-hand
lanes unless there are many
slow-moving vehicles ahead.
Avoid repeatedly
changing lanes.
Maintain strict lane discipline,
so that you are always in
the appropriate lane for
your speed and the traffic
conditions. Check the
rear view and side mirrors
frequently so that you are
constantly aware of the
relative speeds of all the
vehicles around you.
Poor lane discipline is
one of the most common
examples of thoughtless
behavior on motorways. It can
occasionally play its part in an
accident when it forces traffic
into the outside lane. Far too
often on motorways you will
see strings of cars hunched
needlessly in the outside lane.
On a two-lane motorway, the
correct position for normal
driving is the right hand lane.
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It is possible to stay in the
center or left lanes while you
are overtaking a number of
slower moving vehicles, but do
not stay in these lanes longer
than you have to, delaying
traffic behind you.
Do not stay in an overtaking
lane longer than it takes you to
move out, overtake and move
in again safely. Make sure you
do not block traffic that is not
allowed to use the outer lane.
might have a crawler or
climbing lane to avoid heavy
vehicles slowing down the
flow of traffic.
Where motorways merge or
separate, that is to say at
motorway interchanges, you
might be required to change
lanes, sometimes more than
once. Pay attention to the
overhead direction signs and
move into the correct lane in
good time. Where the hatch
markings indicate splitter
islands, stay in your lane.
Assess conditions well
ahead and watch for other
drivers changing lane.
3.4.3 Hogging the
fast lane
Many drivers, particularly
on external and fast roads,
insist on driving and staying
in the fast lane, ignoring
other faster drivers behind
them and forcing them to
overtake on the wrong side.
•
Do not change lanes
unless you need to.
•
Keep your vehicle steady
in the center of the lane.
If you have to overtake
another vehicle, complete
your manoeuvre, return to
your original lane or to the
appropriate lane for your
destination. On external and
fast roads, do not stay in the
fast lane. Give others the
chance to overtake you.
•
Do not wander into
another lane.
Use the left lane for
overtaking only.
A steep hill on a motorway
3.4.4 Leaving a motorway
Use the road signs and
markers to help you when
exit and use your mirrors
and indicators appropriately.
exits, look well ahead for the
advance warning signs. If
you miss your exit, carry on
to the next exit.
You will have plenty of
time to observe the signs
and markers, so there is no
need to rush.
As soon as the motorway
becomes an ordinary arterial
or main road, you can
expect to start encountering
oncoming traffic.
Exit roads sometimes curve
sharply or are quite short,
so it is easy to imagine what
could happen to a driver who
has lost his or her sense of
speed. Therefore, when on
a motorway, make sure you
check your speedometer
every now and then,
especially when your exit
is coming up.
Unless you are going all
the way to the end of the
motorway, you will be
leaving at some stage by
an exit on the right hand
side, moving from the right
hand lane onto the slip
road. Get into that lane in
plenty of time.
Plan well ahead, particularly
on three- or fourlane motorways.
There will be ‘End of
Motorway’ signs at all exits.
These mean that the road
you are joining will have
different rules. Remember to
watch for any signs telling
you what these are.
The hard shoulder is NOT
an exit road and you should
never queue or drive on the
hard shoulder.
Do not cut across a lane of
traffic onto the slip road.
The hard shoulder can be
used in case you need to pull
over in an emergency.
Do not move to the right
more than one lane at a time
and do not cut across at the
last moment, especially from
the second lane of a threeor four-lane motorway.
Occasionally, where
motorways merge, there
may be an exit just prior to
the one you intend to take. In
such a case, or where there
are service areas near to
After driving at motorway
speeds for some time,
your judgment of speed
will almost certainly be
affected: 60 km/h seems
more like 40 km/h. Adjust
your driving to suit the new
conditions, and check your
speedometer. It will give you
the actual speed.
To leave the motorway, use
your mirrors and signal
in good time.
Get into lane early, unless
you are already in the lefthand lane. On a three- or
four-lane motorway, this
could mean changing lanes
more than once, and you
must follow the mirror and
signal routine for each
change of lane.
OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
069
3.5 Dirt road driving and off-road driving
Dirt roads are very common
in the Gulf Region. This
kind of road is not the best
type for driving on with an
ordinary car. The surface
will be uneven and bumpy.
It is loose and will become
muddy and slippery when
wet. The surface wear
due to passing vehicles
makes the road condition
change constantly.
Always expect the
‘unexpected’ when driving
on dirt roads. Drive slowly
and keep a respectable
distance between you and
other cars and road users. In
spite of the lower standard,
these roads are no different
from highways in the speed
limits and normal rules for
driving must be obeyed.
070
OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
Off-road driving or fourwheel driving is very
common in the Gulf Region
and is an ideal recipe for
adventure and excitement.
To ensure that most of
your memories are good,
you should attend one of
the designated courses
to help you on your way.
A good off-road driver
is one with a healthy
regard for environmental
awareness and safety.
Off-road driving on
sand dunes can be very
dangerous. It is hard to see
how steep the other side is
and if you drive sideways
along a slope you can easily
turn over. Never drive alone,
always travel with at least
one other vehicle so that
you have help at hand in
case of need. If one gets
stuck, the other can still
travel to get help.
Always inform your family
and your friends about your
intention to go off-roading.
Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
1 What is the correct procedure for joining a highway?
2
How do you avoid speed
blindness?
3
What is the principal
cause of tunnel vision?
4
What is a sufficient
distance when traveling
behind another car on the
public highway?
5
What is the correct
procedure for overtaking?
6
What should you never
do on a motorway?
7 What is the main cause of
8
What is the safety
distance between your
vehicle and the vehicle in
front of you?
9
What is the correct way
to overtake another
vehicle?
10 What is prohibited on the
tunnel vision?
highway?
OUTSIDE THE CITY LIMITS
071
Chapter Four
DRIVING UNDER
DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
4.1 Driving in sunshine and hot weather
4.1.1 Your Vehicle
In the Gulf Region, the
weather is generally fine
and hot, but even this
region has a range of
weather conditions that
will affect normal driving
styles and techniques.
Different weather and
road conditions can lead
to a variety of different
hazards, from season
to season and from one
region to another.
Problems vary widely,
depending on the type of
road and the amount of
traffic passing through.
This chapter deals with
the main problems of
driving under difficult
conditions and the
techniques of dealing
with them safely.
074
Before you start your
journey, check the pressure
in your tyres. Do not check
the pressure when you have
been driving for a while,
because tyres will be warm
and the reading will be
inaccurate. Tyres should be
checked and adjusted before
you start your journey, when
they are ‘cold’.
Keep the windscreen as
clear as possible of water
and grease marks. This
helps to reduce glare. Check
the level in the windscreen
washer reservoir and top
up if necessary. Using an
additive may help to keep
the windscreen clean.
Vision will be seriously
impaired if your wipers
are worn out or if your
windscreen has collected
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
a film of ‘traffic dirt’ from
the exhaust gases and
other pollutants in and
around the road.
Smoking deposits a thin
film on the windows of the
car, which reduces visibility
and is often troublesome
to the driver.
Do not smoke when you are
driving your car.
Keep the
windscreen
as clear as
possible of
water and
grease marks.
4.1.2 Dealing with the extreme summer weather
(Heat and Sunshine)
4.1.3 A large mid-day meal
Constant sun in your eyes
can be exhausting on a
long journey and may well
affect your concentration.
Even if you do not feel the
need, the correct sunglasses
can reduce the glare and
keep your eyes efficient for
longer. Avoid looking directly
into the sun.
The hot summer
temperatures tend to lower
your energy, especially after
a large midday meal when
drowsiness may occur. If
you have to drive after a
large business lunch during
the summer, take time to
digest it or, if possible,
sleep it off before starting
on a long journey. If that is
impractical be aware that
your normal senses could be
affected. Drive at a slower
speed than normal and take
extra care behind the wheel
Take plenty of breaks and
refreshment on a long trip.
If you feel sleepy, stop
and rest where it is
safe to do so.
Never stop on the hard
shoulder of a motorway
when you feel tired. Instead,
use the service areas or get
off the motorway.
Oil and water can make
the hot surface of the road
slippery and dangerous,
particularly if there is a
sudden rain shower after
a long dry spell. Take extra
care: watch your speed and
keep your distance.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
075
4.2 Driving safely in the dark
Over 600 people are killed
on UAE roads each year and
many of these fatal road
accidents occur in the dark.
The risk of accident is
greater at night than in
daylight; at a speed of 120
km/h it is up to six times
greater. Among the reasons
for this is the fact that we
have only a limited ability to
see in the dark. Quite simply,
our eyes are not designed
for night vision.
Driving at night demands
special techniques and
special precautions.
You will find that you
are very much limited by
conditions at night. You
cannot see as far as you
can in daylight, so less
information is available.
076
4.2.1 Your eyes at night
4.2.2 Speed at night
Humans do not have visual
acuity of a hawk nor can
they see at night like a cat.
At night, your own and
other motorists’ speed
and distances are easy
to misjudge. You need to
be more alert and aware
that you cannot drive as
fast at night – if you want
to be safe – as you can in
the daylight. This includes
driving at dusk or dawn,
even in good weather.
Our ability to judge
distances in daylight
depends on our being able
to see the shapes and colors
around us clearly. The same
applies in the poor light
conditions of fog, mist, rain
and the darkness of night.
In conditions such as these,
oncoming traffic appears
to be further away than it
actually is and may lead you
to make errors of judgment
when you come to pass
another vehicle.
You should have your
eyesight checked regularly.
If you cannot see too well
at night, it might be your
eyes that are to blame;
night driving may be
highlighting the need for an
eyesight check.
Give your eyes a minute
or two to adjust to the
darkness, particularly when
you are coming out of a
brightly lit area or building.
Do not spray or tint the
windscreen or windows with
tinted color.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
Never drive so fast that
you cannot stop well within
the clear distance you can
see ahead of you, that is
to say within the range of
your lights. If you cannot
stop safely within the range
of your lights, you are
going too fast.
4.2.3 Vehicle lights
At night, your lights are the
most important source of
information for both you
and for other drivers. When
you drive with your lights on,
other drivers can see you
earlier and tell which way
you are heading.
You may find it best to put
your lights on before dusk.
Do not be afraid to be the
first driver to switch on the
light. It is better to see and
to be seen. At dawn the
opposite applies.
Do not switch off your lights
until you are sure it is safe
4.2.4 How to use your headlights when you see an oncoming vehicle
When you see an oncoming
vehicle at night, you must
dip your headlights in
order to avoid dazzling the
other driver. This applies
to all types of vehicles
including bicycles. You do
not need to dip your lights
for pedestrians. Keep your
eyes to the right hand side
of the road and try to see as
far ahead as you can. When
your headlights are on full
beam check the right hand
verge before you dip.
Do not dip your lights
too soon.
The entire stretch of road
between the two vehicles
should be lit up until one of the
drivers goes off full beam to
signal that the other vehicle’s
lights are dazzling him. It is
also important to switch back
to full beam as soon as you
start to pass the other vehicle.
With dipped lights, pedestrians
walking on the right are often
difficult to see, so switching
back to full beam in good time
gives you a chance to notice
any obstacles in your path.
Keeping a good distance from
the edge of the road also helps
you avoid obstacles.
Since visibility is severely
restricted, drive at an
appropriately low speed.
If you see a bus or lorry
coming towards you at the
brow of a hill, dip as soon as
you see the marker lights.
Drivers of large vehicles sit
much higher up than drivers
of cars and motorcycles and
will not be dazzled by your
lights as quickly as you will
be by theirs, so dip early
to alert them.
4.2.5 How to use your headlights when overtaking
When you overtake, switch
back to full beam as soon
as you are sure you won’t
dazzle the other driver in his
or her rear view mirror. With
your headlights dipped, you
could fail to observe any
obstacles there may be in
or by the sides of the road.
You will need to take extra
care before attempting to
overtake at night. It is more
difficult because you can
see less. Only overtake if
you can see that the road
ahead will remain clear
until after you have finished
the manoeuvre.
When you catch up with
another vehicle, you must
dip your headlights so as
not to dazzle the other
driver in his or her rear
view mirror.
Buses and lorries have large
mirrors, so dip early when
you see such vehicles on
the road ahead or you could
cause the driver ahead of
you severe dazzle without
being aware of it.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
077
4.2 Driving safely in the dark
4.2.6 If you are being
overtaken
4.2.7 Dipping your
headlights at a
bend in the road
4.2.9 Parking and
emergency
stops at night
When you are being
overtaken, help the other
driver by keeping full beams
on for as long as possible, or
until the other car becomes
just visible to your left. Your
lights will illuminate the
road for both you and the
other vehicle.
When you approach a right
hand bend you have to dip
your headlights earlier. Your
headlights will cut straight
across the eyes of anyone
coming towards you.
Always switch off your
headlights when you stop,
even for a short while.
When you approach a sharp
left hand bend, you may not
need to dip your lights at all.
4.2.8 Positioning when you drive in the dark At night, it is safer to drive
closer to the centerline than
during the day.
If you meet an oncoming
vehicle, keep halfway
between the center and
the edge line and do not
drive on the hard shoulder.
A pedestrian wearing dark
clothing, and therefore
not clearly visible, may be
walking near the verge.
078
And remember that drivers
coming from the opposite
direction may not be able to
see as well as you can.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
It is an offence to leave
them on when the vehicle
is parked.
The fixed glare of headlights
can be very dazzling,
especially if, for any reason,
the vehicle is on the offside
of the road facing oncoming
traffic. When you stop at
night, switch on your parking
lights instead.
In the event of an emergency
stop during the hours of
darkness, you must set
up your advance warning
triangles at some distance
behind your car and, if the
electrical system is still
working, switch on your
hazard lights.
4.2.10 Using your
headlights in
built-up areas
4.2.11 Unprotected
road users
4.2.12 Noises at night
Always use dipped
headlights in built-up
areas at night. It helps
others to see you!
Wherever the streets
are lit up, expect to
encounter pedestrians,
cyclists, children and other
unprotected road users.
Keep all noises to
a minimum.
In areas where streetlights
cause patches of shadow,
watch out for pedestrians
who can be difficult to see.
In built-up areas with
adequate street lighting,
driving on full beam
is prohibited.
At night, such people are
particularly vulnerable, since
they believe themselves to
be perfectly illuminated by
the streetlights and behave
more or less as they would
in daylight. Remember to be
on the alert for pedestrians
and approach pedestrian
crossings at a speed at
which you can stop safely
if necessary.
•
Don’t rev your engine.
•
Close your car doors
quietly.
•
Remember that
neighbors and children
may be asleep.
•
Take extra care setting
and disarming the
anti-theft alarm on your
vehicle.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
079
4.3 Driving in fog
warning triangles.
When driving in fog, use
dipped headlights and keep
well back from the
vehicle in front.
If your car is fitted with highintensity rear fog lights,
use them in the fog only
when visibility is seriously
reduced. These will shine
The risk of early morning
fog can be frequent on
major highways. Fog
conditions can lead to the
type of accident where
many vehicles crash into
one another, nose to tail.
All too often, this results in
loss of life or serious injury
that could have been so
easily avoided.
Poor visibility is frustrating
and a strain on the eyes.
Your ability to anticipate
is dangerously hampered,
it is much more difficult
to judge distances and
speed in fog, when outlines
become confusing therefore,
you must stop your
vehicle safely.
If you break down, get your
vehicle off the road if you
possibly can.
Inform the police, and
make arrangements to
have your vehicle removed
as soon as possible if it is
creating an obstruction.
Never leave it on the wrong
side of the road or without
hazard lights and advance
080
brightly to the rear of your
car and cars following will
see them better than just
your rear lights and be able
to keep a further distance.
That will reduce the chances
of a rear-end collision. You
must switch them off when
visibility improves. Using
them at other times can
dazzle following drivers.
Be Aware of Local Weather Conditions. Anticipate
when fog usually accumulate in your area where you
usually drive
Don't Drift. There's a natural tendency to wander into the
middle of the road when visibility gets bad. Be sure to
keep yourself in your lane.
Beware of Critters. Animals-especially white tail deer-feel
bolder under cover of fog and are much harder to see.
Use the right edge of the road as a guide. This can help
you avoid running into oncoming traffic or being blinded
by oncoming headlights.
Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask your passengers
to help keep an eye out for oncoming cars and
obstacles on the road.
Slow down and leave plenty of room for stopping. There
may be something ahead that you cannot see until you are
too close to it. If the vehicle ahead has to stop suddenly,
you must have ample time to react and brake. You may
not see or recognize that the vehicle ahead is braking, or
has stopped, as soon as you would in clear weather.
Overtaking in fog can be particularly dangerous. You
could well find that visibility ahead is much worse than
you thought and you won’t be able to see oncoming
traffic soon enough.
If you can possibly avoid it, never park on a road in fog.
Find an off-street parking place. However, if parking is
unavoidable, always leave your parking or sidelights on.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
4.4 Driving in high winds
Some vehicles can
become unstable in strong
crosswinds, because of
their large surface and
comparatively low weights.
This can happen particularly
on exposed stretches of
the motorway. The effect
can vary from a simple pull
on the steering wheel to a
strong pull on the whole
car, causing it to wander,
perhaps into the path of
another vehicle. In very bad
cases, the whole vehicle can
be lifted up off the road, with
very serious results.
In gusty conditions, watch
for cyclists or motorcyclists
being blown sideways and
veering into your path. Allow
extra room if overtaking.
High winds can also cause
problems when driving close
to large vans and trucks. Do
not stay alongside them or
too close to them for longer
than is absolutely necessary
to overtake them. There
will always be the chance,
however small, that a strong
gust could cause a large
transporter to topple over
onto your vehicle.
The other problem
associated with high winds
is that the sand blown
from the desert, obscuring
visibility. In a strong shamal,
it is sensible to pull over and
stop on the side of the road
until the storm has passed
and visibility is clear again.
Then, when driving off, be
aware of the possibility
of sand spits on the road
caused by drifting sand
blown by the wind.
High
winds can
also cause
problems
when driving
close to
large vans and
trucks.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
081
4.5 Driving in rain
4.5.1 Aquaplaning
Even though rain is
uncommon in the Gulf
Region, it can have
devastating results when
it does come. Light rain
will make the roads very
slippery, as the dirty
surfaces turn into ‘skid
pans’ and offer little grip to
your tyres. Remember, the
less grip your tyres have,
the greater the distance
you will need to stop. Be
aware of this and take the
necessary precautions by
driving slower than normal
and keeping further back
from the line of vehicles in
front of you to have more
stopping room in case of
an emergency.
Heavy rainstorms pose a
different problem. A heavy
rainstorm will tend to wash
the slippery ‘ghee’ from
082
the surface of the road and this is a good result.
However, a driver’s visibility
is seriously hampered by
heavy rain. The spray from
vehicles in front of you
can blind you, even though
your windscreen wipers
may be working at top
speed. Initially, that spray
will contain elements of oil
and grease, as the roads
are washed clean, and this
will tend to create smears
on the windscreen. Washer
fluid will help to dissolve
the oil smears.
Vehicles drop all sorts of
debris on the road surfaces
– from little bits of tyre
rubber to oil dripping from
engine sumps or grease
leaking out from wheel
bearings. This all adds
up to a sludge that can
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
create a hazard for the
unsuspecting driver.
One problem when driving
in heavy rain is caused by
drivers who use their hazard
lights as an excuse for highspeed driving.
Hazard lights must not be
used while driving in
heavy rain.
4.5.2 Dealing with floods
The area of contact between
the road and a car tyre is
no larger than the palm
of your hand. The tread
pattern must therefore be
designed to drain away
sufficient water to ensure
that the tyres maintain their
grip on the road.
A tyre that is unable to
drain away water from
the surface of the road
will cause aquaplaning or
hydroplaning, when the car
skids along the surface of a
layer of water and becomes
impossible to steer or brake.
High speed, worn treads and
overly broad tyres are other
causes of aquaplaning.
Even with good tyres,
aquaplaning can occur at
high traveling speed, so
you need to slow down and
keep your distance if the
road is wet.
The more water on the
road, the greater the risk of
aquaplaning. Aquaplaning
is a very unpleasant
experience and one that
can sometimes have
disastrous results.
At lower speeds, if the front
and rear tyres on one side
of the vehicle hit a patch of
deeper water, the vehicle
may swerve because of
the additional resistance
to that side.
A clear indicatiton that you
are aquaplaning is that the
steering suddenly feels very
light. When this happens,
slow down by easing off the
accelerator. Never brake
or try to change direction,
because when you are
aquaplaning, you have no
control at all over steering
or braking. Increasing
your speed on a wet road,
increases the chance of your
vehicle skidding, therefore
you need to decrease your
speed and check the road
for wet surfaces.
And remember, at 80 km/h
the tyres have to force away
up to 25 liters of water per
second when it is raining.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
083
4.5 Driving in rain
4.5.3 Dealing with
flooded areas
When you have to pass
through a flood, take your
time. Stop and assess how
deep the water is. Do not
just drive into it; check the
depth. If the water seems
too deep for your vehicle,
turn back and go around
the flood by another road. It
might take a little longer, but
that is better than finding
yourself stranded in a flood.
If the water is shallow and
not too deep and you decide
to drive on through, drive as
slowly as possible in first
gear, but keep up a steady
speed, and be sure to keep
to the shallowest part.
Remember, because of the
incline of the road, the water
is probably deepest near the
edge and shallowest at the
crown or center.
4.5.4 How to deal
with a skid
not drive at normal speed
until you are sure they are
working normally.
Three important factors
cause a skid. In the order of
importance, they are:
Always try to position your
car so that you can handle
unexpected overtaking
and sudden meetings
with oncoming traffic in
maximum safety.
•
•
•
Overtaking and meetings
with oncoming vehicles
always involve some
element of risk. And if
visibility is poor, as it may be
if your view is obstructed by
a hill or a bend in the road
or if you are driving at night,
in fog or rain, the risk is
even greater.
When you have driven safely
through, test your brakes. If
they do not work properly,
it will help to dry them out
if you apply light pressure
to the brake pedal while
driving along slowly. Do
084
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
The driver
The vehicle
The road conditions.
A skid occurs when the front
or rear of a vehicle in motion
suddenly and uncontrollably
swings around in a circular
movement. Depending upon the
force of the skid, the vehicle may
come to a quick stop or continue
in its circular path, turning
multiple times. It is important to
know how a skid occurs, what
causes skids and what to do in
the event you are caught in one.
Skids do not just happen.
Skids usually occur when:
•
the brakes are applied too
hard
•
the vehicle accelerates too
quickly
•
the steering wheel is
turned too sharply
Skids caused by braking:
Harsh and uncontrolled
braking is one of the chief
causes of skidding. Brakes
have their greatest stopping
power when they are nearly,
but not quite, locked. The
weight of the car is thrown
forward, and the heavier
you brake the more weight
goes to the front and the
less to the rear wheels.
The less the weight on the
rear wheels, the more likely
they are to lock.
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) help you to continue
steering while braking, but
on wet or slippery roads this
will be less effective. The
brakes are only as good as
the tyre grip on the road.
Skids can happen on dry
roads, even with good
tyres, if you suddenly brake
harshly. When the weight is
thrown forward, it becomes
impossible to keep the
vehicle straight. It begins to
swing and only has to touch
something to be in danger of
turning over.
Steering too sharply for
the speed at which you are
traveling is responsible for
skids caused by steering. If
you need to make a sharp
turn, slow down gradually.
Skids caused by both
braking and steering: If you
combine wrong braking
with wrong steering, you are
asking for trouble. You are
bound to skid if your tyres are
only just gripping while you
are turning a corner and you
start to brake. You could also
skid if you are braking just
before you start to turn the
corner. Do not expect your
tyres to do the impossible.
The answer is simple:
adjust your speed to the
conditions and give yourself
plenty of space.
Skids caused by acceleration:
Sudden or harsh acceleration
while turning into a corner,
particularly in the lower gears,
may cause the driving wheels
to spin on the road surface.
Unless you ease off the
accelerator very quickly the
vehicle could go into a skid
because of the wheel-spin.
If you find you are in a skid
there are a number of things
you should do:
•
Release the brake
pedal fully.Drivers often
instinctively do the
opposite, keeping their
right foot hard down on the
brake pedal throughout the
skid. This makes matters
worse, so keep off the
brakes.
•
Release the accelerator
and do not try to steer until
the wheels regain some of
their grip.
•
Allow the steering wheel
to settle into the same
direction as the skid,
easing off the accelerator
at the same time. Be
careful not to oversteer.
Too much movement of
the front wheels will lead
to another skid in the
opposite direction.
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
085
Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
1 When should you check the air pressure in your tyres?
2
Why is the risk of being
involved in an accident
greater at night?
3
What is the importance
of a vehicle’s lights at
night?
4
5
Is using hazard lights in
fog permitted?
6
Why is the stopping
distance longer when it is
raining?
7 What should you do after
What are the three most
important contributing
factors to a skid?
9
What should you do if
you find yourself in a
skid?
10 When does aquaplaning
8
086
DRIVING UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS
What should you do to
your headlights when you
see an oncoming vehicle
at night?
passing through flood
waters?
happen? How can you
avoid it?
Chapter Five
CRITICAL
SITUATIONS
5.1 What is the main cause of traffic accidents?
Speeding is considered to
be the principal cause of
more than half of all road
accidents in the UAE.
A closer look at the situation
reveals that the root cause is in
fact a lack of road courtesy.
Some people are not aware
of the limits to their own
freedoms on the road. As a
result, reckless drivers end up in
hurting others. The attitude of
some motorists is that it is their
right to drive the way they want
to, forgetting that the road is not
their private property.
Another cause of road
accidents is lack of adherence
to the rules of the road. For
example, motorists get killed
because they do not fasten
their seat belts, do not consider
other road users or ignore the
speed limits.
A comparison of the death rates
and rates of injury between
men and women shows
that men are at much higher
risk than women.
Nine out of 10 persons killed
in Abu Dhabi traffic
accidents are men.
What makes the issue even
more critical in the UAE is
that more than 70% of the
victims are young male Emirati
Nationals in the prime of
their lives. The reason for this
high percentage of fatalities
are: driving recklessly, lack
of commitment to traffic
laws, using mobile phones
while driving.
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
091
5.2 Different types of critical situation and accident
5.2.1 The single
vehicle accident
5.2.2 Crossroad accidents inside and outside the
city limits
Included in this category
are run-off-road collisions,
collisions with fallen rocks
or debris in the road, rollover
crashes within the roadway
and collisions with animals.
The term single-vehicle
collision is not generally
used unless the driver and
passengers of the vehicle
are the only ones injured.
The causes of accidents at an intersection or junction are
usually one or both of the drivers did the following:
A high proportion of the
traffic accidents involving
personal injury reported
by the police are single
vehicle accidents, where
only one vehicle is involved.
These are not only the most
common type of accident,
but also they account for
the most serious injuries as
compared with other types
of road accident.
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CRITICAL SITUATIONS
•
Ignored the rules of the road
•
Failed to notice road signs
•
Was driving too fast for the circumstances
•
Expected others else to abide by the rules of the road and
was/were therefore unprepared for a crisis
•
Failed to look out for other road users
•
Believed that the intersection was clear because the
traffic light was green
•
Misinterpreted a pedestrian’s intentions
•
Misjudged the distance to the junction
5.2.3 Turning accidents
inside and outside
the city limits
5.2.4 Oncoming traffic accidents
Common causes of a
collision between two
vehicles while turning
are as follows:
Accidents between vehicles
traveling in opposite
directions, often while
overtaking, are the worst
where most deaths and
injuries occur.
•
Misjudging the distance
of an oncoming vehicle
•
Taking an oncoming
motorcycle for a moped
•
Failure to keep an eye on
the following traffic
Accidents between motor
vehicles are accounted
for more than one fourth
of all accidents with
personal injuries.
These collisions tend to
have the most serious
consequences of all
accidents that occur on the
road. In recent years, far
too many people have been
killed in head-on collisions,
very often caused by
misjudged overtaking.
Common causes of a headon collision are as follows:
•
Not expecting to meet
another vehicle and
braked so hard that the
wheels got locked.
•
Cutting across a lefthand bend
•
Driving too fast
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
093
5.2 Different types of critical situation and accident
5.2.5 Overtaking accidents
Overtaking accidents are
caused when the driver
involved did the following:
•
Decided to overtake even
though his or her view
of the road ahead was
restricted
•
Misjudged the speed and
distance of the oncoming
vehicle
•
Overestimated his or her
own car’s acceleration
capacity and forgot that
the other driver might also
decide to accelerate
•
Unexpectedly encountered
an oncoming vehicle when
trying to pass a longbodied lorry or trailer
•
Misjudged the state of the
road
Remember
•
It is always permissible to refrain from overtaking
5.2.6 Accidents with people under influence of alcohol or other intoxicants
The simple rule is never
drink and drive. Although
driving under the influence
of alcohol or other
intoxicating substances
is more common in the
West, it cannot be ruled our
anywhere, including the UAE.
Driving under the influence
of any intoxicant agent
094
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
greatly increases the risks of
collision and serious injury
on the roads.
Alcohol is not to be mixed
with driving.
5.2.7 Pedestrian crossing accidents
Common causes of pedestrian
accidents are as follows:
•
Not noticing or ignoring
the pedestrian on the
other side of the crossing
•
Obstructed view of the
driver, perhaps by the
doorpost or blind spot of
the car
•
Driving too fast
•
Neglecting to scan the
road
•
Overtaking a vehicle that
had stopped to allow a
pedestrian to cross the
street
5.2.8 Accidents
involving cyclists
The followings are the
common causes of the
Cyclist-accidents:
•
Ignoring the cyclist
•
Misjudgment of the
cyclist's speed and
intention
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
095
5.2 Different types of critical situation and accident
5.2.9 Accidents
in the night
5.2.10 Front to rear
accidents
5.2.11 Motorcycle accidents
Probable causes of
accidents in the dark:
Rear-end collisions When the
driver drives his vehicle too
close to the vehicle in front,
which couses a danger to
the driver and road users.
Common causes of
accidents involving
four-wheel vehicles and
Motorcycles are:
•
Misjudging the speed
and intention
•
Driving too fast
•
Not considering the
limited ability to see in
the dark
These incidents are common
inside the city and usually
happened because of
suddenly stop of some
vehicles such as taxis or
because the driver did not
leave a safety distance.
Rear-end collisions are
most common inside the
city limits and amongst
taxi drivers.
096
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
•
Not seeing the
motorcycle because
it is smaller and
often approaches at
unexpected speeds
•
Neglecting to watch out
for motorcycles creating
their own lane between
lines of other vehicles
5.3 The impact of the intersection collisions
Junctions can be laid out in many different ways. Some designs support the passage of many
vehicles, while others are more focused on safety. The design of the traffic junctions is always
a compromise between mobility and safety.
2.
The rules are that you
should give way to vehicles
coming from the left. In
conditions of heavy traffic,
a busy junction can be very
difficult to get through.
Traffic lights provide full
information as to who should
drive and who should stop.
A properly designed
roundabout is the safest
type of junction.
How it works:
• Drivers should know who
goes first.
• Just because they have a
green light does not mean
that drivers should speed
through a junction.
There are fewer accidents
at this type of junction in
comparison with uncontrolled
junctions, but the accidents
that happen are often very
severe because of the high
speeds involved.
How it works:
• The roundabout should
have a sharp entrance
to reduce speed before
entering and exiting.
• Fewer accidents occur
at roundabouts and the
ones that do are often
not severe.
• Sideswipe accidents
tend to cause
few injuries.
How it works:
• All traffic must
slow down.
• Vehicles from the left
go first.
Since speed is not a factor,
the outcome of this type
of accident tends not to
be too severe.
Junction with traffic lights
3. Roundabouts
1. Ordinary junction without
yield or stop sign
Head-on or side collisions
at high speed cause
serious injuries.
When the traffic lights are
not working it is very difficult
to drive through this kind of
junction as the drivers are
confused about who has
priority. Extreme care must be
taken and extreme courtesy
must be exercised.
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
097
5.3 The impact of intersection design on collisions
4. Pedestrian crossing
Pedestrian crossings are
designed to help pedestrians
to cross the road and to
direct them not to cross
elsewhere on the road,
where it may be unsafe.
How it works:
•
A pedestrian crossing
can be very unsafe. The
pedestrian gets a feeling
of safety when using the
crossing and will be less
careful when crossing
•
Reducing the speed
at pedestrian
crossings gives
several advantages.
•
Cars must slow down
before entering the
pedestrian crossing.
•
Pedestrian will prefer
using the pedestrian
crossing as they don’t
098
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
have to climb up and
down on the curbstones
•
The drivers will feel
that they enter the
pedestrians’ area and
will be more obliged to
give way.
5. The risk of being
involved in an accident
Most of us underestimate
the risk of being injured or
killed in a road accident.
Speed is always the main
factor for injuries and
fatalities. Reducing speed
will not eliminate accidents
but will greatly reduce the
severity of an accident.
If you drive fast, you not
only increase your risk of
being injured or killed, but
you increase the risk for
everyone else involved.
Why should someone else
be injured or die because of
a decision you made?
slow down
5.4 Camels and other animals on the road
Remember
Animals are a constant
hazard in rural areas. Most
of the main highways have
been fenced off to prevent
camels from wandering
onto the highways and
causing accidents,
especially at night.
However, in some rural
areas camels still manage
to stray onto the road. It is
a courtesy to other drivers
to warn them of livestock
on the road by using your
hazard lights; this is one
of the few acceptable
uses of hazard lights in a
moving vehicle.
When you see camels,
sheep, goats or cows on
the road, slow down right
away to a crawling speed
and then slowly resume
moving forward. Animals
have no sense of the danger
they present or of the risk
of being hit by a moving
vehicle, so be patient
and negotiate the hazard
carefully and safely.
Lack of attention, high
speed: the causes of
accidents involving animals
are many and varied. A
camel can easily rush out
onto the road and collide
with an unwary driver.
Dawn and dusk are the
times when animals are the
least visible and most likely
to stray onto the road. Even
if there is a protective fence
or barrier along the side of
the road, camels may still
find their way through a
gap. Where the fence ends,
there is a real danger of
livestock finding their way
onto the road.
Small animals on the road
can cause severe accidents,
since drivers often overreact
and slam on the brakes in
a panic. To avoid injuring
yourself or other road users,
it may occasionally be
necessary to run over and
kill a small animal.
• When you see the camel
warning sign, always
watch the sides of the
road and slow down.
• Keep your field of vision
broad and maintain a
steady, slow pace.
• To avoid a collision, stay
behind a camel that has
wandered onto the road.
Probable causes of
accidents involving animals
are as follows:
• The driver was
driving too fast.
• The driver’s range
of observation was
too narrow.
• The driver neglected a
warning sign.
• The driver did not know
when he/she could
expect to find animals
on the road.
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
099
5.5 How to avoid critical situations
Here are some ways of reducing the chances of finding yourself in a critical situation:
•
Always maintain
good vision to the
front and all around
your vehicle.
•
Be alert and ready
to respond to the
unexpected.
•
Be secure in your
mind by wearing your
seat belt.
•
Regularly check
your rear view and
wing mirrors.
•
Look out for braking
lights on vehicles
directly in front of you
and on vehicles even
further ahead.
•
•
Keep an eye
out for people
crossing the road
at official crossing
places and when
driving by schools,
shopping areas
and other public
gathering areas.
•
Keep to your lane,
except when
overtaking, and do
not weave from
lane to lane.
•
On long journeys, take
a break every now
and then to get out
and stretch your legs.
•
Do not look at maps
or eat food while
driving. Stop at a layby and continue later.
Maintain the proper
distance from the
vehicle in front of you.
Many drivers do not approach driving as a serious exercise, as one that could result in
someone getting gravely injured or even killed due to a lapse of concentration or a failure of
driving technique.
It takes only a fraction of a second for things to start going wrong.
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CRITICAL SITUATIONS
5.6 Towards an accident-free traffic environment
An almost accident-free
traffic environment is our
vision for traffic safety
on Abu Dhabi’s roads, an
environment where nobody
gets killed or seriously
injured in a traffic accident.
We can no longer accept
the fact that people are
being punished every year
by death or lifelong suffering
as a result of a simple
mistake on the road.
Since everyone makes a
mistake at some time or
another, it will be impossible
to completely eliminate
traffic accidents. However,
it should be possible to
minimize the consequences
of a collision through safer
roads, safer vehicles and
better road behavior.
Meantime, we can make a
major impact in preventing
traffic accidents and reducing
risk by exercising better road
behavior, the most important
component of all.
For Abu Dhabi and the
UAE to succeed, to create
a safe traffic environment
any thereby an accidentfree environment,
all three of these
components are needed.
If one is missing, the
system will fail.
•
Better road
behavior.Driving
education will
give you driving
knowledge and
improve your
driving skills.
•
Safer roads •
Safer vehicles
What should you do if your
vehicle breakdown?
Move the vehicle out of the
way so that it is not a source
of danger to other vehicles.
Turn on hazard light to warn
the other road users.
Take out all passengers
from the vehicle and stop
at a sufficient distance
from the road and prefer to
stand behind the barriers of
protection on the road
If the area is dark, turn on
the parking lights
Call 999 for Road Service
Patrol.
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
101
5.7 What to do in the event of a traffic accident
5.7.1 Dealing with accidents
Many people have been or will,
at some stage, be involved in
a traffic accident or incident. It
happens suddenly and just as
suddenly it is over.
Although we would love
to believe it only happens
to other people, many
experienced drivers
has helped swelling the
accident statistics.
Quite often the accident is
blamed on a combination of
high speed and poor visibility,
although in actual fact it
would often be closer to the
truth simply to note that the
driver or drivers involved were
incapable of controlling their
vehicles in the circumstances
that gave rise to the accident.
As seen in earlier sections,
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CRITICAL SITUATIONS
you can reduce the chances
of being involved in an
accident by driving defensively.
Accidents, unfortunately, are
always possible, even with the
greatest care.
You might come upon the
scene of an accident. It could
happen that you are the first
to arrive there. Now, the safety
of both the existing casualties
and other road users might be
in your hands.
You never know how many
accidents victims on UAE roads
could have been saved by their
fellow road users by giving
them first aid, but perhaps it
could've been as many as a
quarter of all victims. If you
are certified to provide firstaid assistance, be prepared
to do so as it could save
someone’s life.
If you are involved
in an accident, what
should you do?
Warn other traffic by:
•
Switching on hazard
warning lights or
other lights
•
Displaying
an advance
warning triangle
•
Have someone else
warn and direct
other drivers
Remember, further collisions
may happen. Let's say you
have been involved in a
minor accident and do not
appear to be injured:
Call emergency services,
and give full details of the
location and casualties.
Location details are marked
on yellow signs located at
regular intervals on the hard
shoulder. Always check
these before you make
your call to be able tell the
emergency services exactly
where you are.
•
998 is the number to
call for an ambulance.
•
999 is the number to
•
call if you need to get in
touch with the police.
997 is the number to
call for the fire brigade.
Give whatever help you can
to others involved. Persons
who seem to be unhurt may
be suffering from shock, and
may in fact be unaware of
their injuries. This includes
you. If in doubt, get checked
out at the hospital.
Leaving the scene of an
accident without providing
your name and telephone
number is a serious
offence, which may lead to
disqualification from driving
and a prison term.
•
If you are involved in an accident, ensure moving the vehicle involved in an accident
outside the road to avoid representing a danger or obstruction to other traffic. Tracks
on the road, or anything, which may help the authorities with their inquiry, must not
be erased or modified in any way you. You must ensure that they remain intact until
the police take over.
•
If you damage a traffic sign, road marking, traffic light or any device designed
to help control the traffic, you must immediately do all you can to restore it to a
satisfactory state. If this is impossible, you must first warn other road users of the
damage and then notify the police and the authority that put up and is responsible for
maintaining the sign.
•
If you run into a parked car, try to get in touch with the owner. If you cannot, leave a
message indicating your name and telephone number, and then notify the police.
•
Note any witnesses and make sure they do not go before you get their names and
addresses. Make a note of the numbers of any vehicles whose occupants might have
witnessed the accident.
•
Coming upon the scene of an accident. If you are not one of the first to arrive at the
scene of an accident and enough people have already stopped to give assistance,
you should drive past carefully and not become distracted by the accident.
•
If the accident is on the other side of a motorway, do not slow down to look. You may
cause another accident on your side of the road, or, at the very least, additional and
unnecessary traffic congestion.
Always remember to give way to emergency vehicles. Watch
out for their flashing lights and listen for their warning sirens.
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
103
5.7 What to do in the event of a traffic accident
5.7.2 Fire
Carrying a suitable fire extinguisher in your vehicle may help
you to put out a small fire. If the fire appears to be a serious
one do not try to tackle it. Get well clear of the vehicle and
leave it to the fire brigade. If you suspect a fire in the engine
compartment, get all passengers out safely.
And remember, fire can
spread through a vehicle
with alarming speed.
Dealing with those involved
Casualties should under no
circumstances be moved
unless they could be run
over by other vehicles on
the road or if there is a risk
of fire or explosion. And do
not remove a motorcyclist’s
helmet unless it is
essential to do so.
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CRITICAL SITUATIONS
Casualties should be taken
to hospital in an ambulance;
they should be moved as
little as possible. The panic
associated with accidents
is often extremely stressful.
If possible, one person
should take charge of
obtaining assistance and
alerting other road users to
the accident by setting out
triangular hazard signs. Even
though the situation may
be totally confusing, try to
remain as calm as possible.
When an ambulance arrives,
give the crew as many
facts as you can, but no
assumptions, diagnoses, etc
Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
1 What are the leading causes of road traffic accidents?
2
What is the main reason
behind single vehicle
accidents?
3
What are the main
reasons for crossroads
accidents?
4
5
What are the main
causes of overtaking
accidents?
6
What are the causes of
pedestrian accidents?
7 What are the main causes
How do you avoid a
critical situation?
9
What is needed to
achieve a safe driving
environment?
10 What should you do in
8
What are the main
reasons for head-on
collisions?
of cyclist accidents?
the event of a road traffic
accident?
CRITICAL SITUATIONS
105
Chapter Six
DRIVING BEHAVIOUR
AND ROAD COURTESY
6.1 Emotional maturity
Why do we not allow anyone
to take a driving test until
they are 18?
The answer is, of course,
that people 18 and over are
assumed to be sufficiently
mature to drive in a safe,
responsible manner.
Unfortunately, this is often
very far from the reality.
Young, inexperienced drivers
are involved in far more road
accidents than their older,
more practised colleagues.
Why is this? The answer
is almost certainly that
novice drivers have
insufficient experience
to fully understand the
traffic environment; and
many young drivers are
insufficiently mature.
Let us take a look at
what this means.
Good driving requires
experience and a good deal
of skill. The senses must be
able to record a huge variety
of impressions all at once,
which the brain must quickly
process and translate
into decisions. The driver
must be able to put him or
herself in the place of other
road users, and must think
ahead, be resourceful and
demonstrate foresight.
In fact, it is hard to
comprehend how the brain
can process such a vast
amount of information, and
yet we take it for granted
that things will work out
as they should, even in a
complicated traffic situation.
But it takes only a small
mistake for everything to go
wrong, just a little too much
pressure on the accelerator
and the driver’s capacity is
overreached - and he/she
makes a mistake.
Many young drivers have
had less opportunity to
learn their limits and so they
commit more driving errors
than more experienced
drivers. In addition, young
people generally find it
more difficult to rectify
their mistakes.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
109
6.1 Emotional maturity
6.1.1 Developing a moral code of conduct
As infants, all humans
display egoism. Most
children think primarily of
themselves and pay little
attention to the desires
and needs of others. This
is known as the ego stage
of development.
As the child grows up,
egoism gives way to an
understanding that for
human society to function
properly there must be a set
of rules. The child accepts
and tries to abide by these
rules as best it can. This is
called the rule stage.
Later, with increased
experience, it is possible
to reach an even higher
level: a level characterised
by an increased respect
for and understanding of
other people, by generosity
and tolerance, by a humble
awareness that human
abilities are limited.
The driver who has reached
this level of awareness is
110
not afraid to ‘step aside’
in traffic, to help make
things easier for his or her
fellow road users, to feel a
sense of community with
other drivers and to show
consideration for other
drivers and pedestrians.
Knowing the letter of the law
is not enough; what matters
is its spirit. This is called the
community stage.
subconscious and are likely
to lead him before long
into some very dangerous
situation. There are
situations of such peril that
he may even find himself
at that frontier from which
there is no return, where
advice and information can
no longer be given.
Unfortunately, however,
many people have not got
past the ego stage, letting it
rule their driving behaviour.
This represents the stage
when the child used to play
in the sandpit and steal
his or her best friend’s
bucket and spade without a
moment’s hesitation!
6.1.3 Role models
6.1.2 Immaturity
Immaturity helps boost the
accident statistics. It makes
accidents more frequent and
often more severe.
An immature young male
driver who wants to
demonstrate his ‘authority’
or ‘superiority’ sees his car
as a kind of instrument with
vast resources of power that
will enhance his personality,
make him tougher and
more independent.
Although he does not
consciously think such
thoughts, they exist,
nevertheless, in his
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
Since a young driver’s
outlook and behaviour are
to a large extent fashioned
by the ideals of youth, it
is essential that young
drivers also understand
the basics of acceptable
social behaviour, and in
particular the concepts of
responsibility, tolerance, and
consideration for others.
Many of today’s values are
questionable, to say the
least. Advertising, films and
comic strips, deceptive and
distortive as they often are,
have made it difficult for
many people to distinguish
between the realities of
everyday life and the exciting
world of fantasy, fiction
and role models. Sadly,
for many young people
the hero always wins.
And once young people
believe themselves to be
invulnerable, they tend to
disregard the risks they run
in traffic, risks that in reality
are very dangerous indeed.
6.1.4 Responsibility
6.1.5 Identity
(weak identity)
Over the last few decades,
the pace has quickened and
the overall traffic climate has
grown tougher. Where will
we be in twenty years’ time if
things keep on like this?
Hand in hand with maturity
goes a responsible attitude
towards others, which we
can attain by learning from
experience and bearing
in mind that other road
users beside ourselves can
sometimes make mistakes.
In today’s society we enjoy
any number of rights; but
we have many obligations
as well, and if society is
to function properly as
a whole, each individual
must maintain a sense of
responsibility and show
respect for other people.
How well would the traffic
flow if everyone drove
according to their own
rules and without regard for
other road users?
In other words, whether
accidents will be more or
less frequent than today
depends to a large extent on
whether the drivers of the
future will be able to show
respect and consideration
for other people, while
abiding by the rules of
the road and learning to
accept the consequences of
their own actions.
The development of a code
of moral conduct and a
sense of responsibility
over a number of distinctly
recognisable stages
appears to be a feature
common to all human
beings. Unfortunately, for
whatever reasons, not
everyone seems to reach
the same level.
The long road towards
establishing one's identity
passes through an
experimental phase in which
the young person likes to
test exactly how far he
or she can go.
At this age, it is important to
establish who you are, what
you stand for, what you
want and what you can do.
Unfortunately, out on the
road this often seems to
take the form of wanting to
see what the car can ‘do’
as well, whether it can take
that sharp bend at eighty,
whether it can be pulled
out of a skid or whether it
can be made to knock a
few minutes off the time
it takes to get from one
place to another.
A safe driver is not irritated
by other people’s mistakes;
he adapts to them.
Clearly, the more
consideration we show
for others, the smoother
and more steadily the
traffic will flow.
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111
6.1 Emotional maturity
6.1.6 Adapting to reality (deficient reality)
Many drivers are apparently
not very mature, such as
the young man who thinks
he is a star of the Formula
1 racing circuit and roars
along the highways or the
Corniche, passing everyone
else as closely as he can
and taking terrifying risks.
Not very mature behaviour!
He needs to grow up.
The ability to predict how a
given situation will develop
demands experience, much
practice and – let’s face
it – maturity.
The inability to distinguish
between the worlds of
make-believe and reality
in the ordinary situations
of everyday life – such
as driving along a busy
road – may be normal in
a small child, but it is not
what we would expect of
an 18-year-old.
Could it be that the ‘bold’
young driver is uncertain of
his true identity? That his
self-image is perhaps not
quite in line with his real
being? Perhaps he admires
a Formula 1 racing driver
and even thinks that he is a
racer; but if he tries to act
as a racer, he is playing a
part he cannot handle and,
to make matters worse, he
is playing it on the public
highway, on the Corniche
instead of on the racetrack.
6.1.7 Poor Self-control
Another important aspect
of maturity is self-control.
Children who lose their
temper display their irritation
and rage in an uncontrolled
manner. They scream, they
kick, they lash out at people
and objects that get in their
way.An uncontrolled display
of aggressive behaviour
such as this could have
disastrous results out on the
road. In traffic, therefore, it is
vital not to let your irritation
get out of hand, even though
you may be quite justified
in considering someone
else’s driving style to be
totally at fault.
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Driving behaviour and road courtesy
Aggressiveness makes
you a bad driver, not only
because it impairs your
ability to assess the traffic
environment but because
it leads you to make
unconsidered decisions. And
aggressive behaviour creates
conflict with other drivers.
A characteristic of a good
driver is the ability to remain
alert and concentrated over
a long period.
Daydreaming, on the other
hand, is a bad habit, one
that causes your attention
to wander from the allimportant task of driving.
6.1.8 Know yourself
and know your
driving skill
6.1.9 The difference between experienced and
inexperienced drivers
In a survey, young people with
driving licences were asked
to give a frank assessment of
their driving skills in terms of
their reactions, their ability to
counter an unexpected skid,
how they would manage an
emergency situation, and so
on (self-knowledge).
How well do young male
and female drivers seem to
know themselves?
The survey showed that:
Young male drivers who had
held a driving licence for
between one and three
years considered
themselves to be better
-than-average drivers.
It is very likely that young
male drivers overestimate
their driving abilities to
a considerable degree, a
notion backed by the fact
that a disproportionately
high number of accidents
involve young men. Their
driving skills are simply
not adequate for the speed
at which they like to drive,
and their opinion of their
skills is not in keeping
with the tragedy of the
accident statistics.
The survey also showed that:
Young female drivers
believed themselves to be
mediocre or belowaverage drivers.
There is a clear difference
between the experienced and
the inexperienced driver.
Experienced and/or seasoned
drivers scan their surroundings,
both more extensively and
more systematically than
their novice colleagues. For
example, the experienced driver
does not scan a right hand
curve in exactly the same way
a left hand one. Inexperienced
or young drivers, on the other
hand, tend to treat bends in the
road as if they were all more or
less the same.
Exactly why this should be
unclear, although it seems that
the more experienced drivers
instinctively realise that a
left-hand bend is inherently
more dangerous. Experienced
drivers also recognise more
potential hazards in moving
traffic, whereas young
and inexperienced drivers
tend to regard the traffic
environment as static.
Experienced drivers normally
maintain better control of
their vehicles in a crisis, e.g.
if they suddenly have to avoid
an unexpected obstacle. Their
speed is more constant, they
accelerate less frequently,
and they seldom find
themselves having to apply
the brakes in a panic.
Inexperienced and/or young
drivers tend to look off to
the right of their vehicles,
suggesting that they are not
quite sure of their position
on the road. What is more,
they take longer to react in
dangerous situations.
Studies show that young
and inexperienced drivers
generally drive faster
and less smoothly than
those who have acquired
more experience, and
they also have a greater
tendency to exert their
competitive instincts.
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113
6.1 Emotional maturity
6.1.10 Elderly drivers
Elderly drivers, who have
often accumulated many
years of experience and are
often critical of their own
performance, are mostly
courteous and considerate,
since they like to take it
easy on the road.
They are usually no more
dangerous in traffic than
most other road users.
However, as a person grows
older, changes in physical
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function tend to bring about
a corresponding weakness
in performance.
Elderly drivers must adapt
their driving to their own
physical abilities and the
state of the traffic to a far
greater extent than younger
drivers. If possible, they
should avoid driving at night
and in heavy traffic.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
This means that unlike
inexperienced or/and
young drivers, who tend
to overestimate their own
abilities, the elderly drivers
are seldom involved in
single-vehicle accidents.
6.2 Personality traits and certain types of bad behaviour
6.2.1 Impulsiveness
6.2.2 Excuses
(Blaming others)
6.2.3 Repression
The impulsive personality,
which acts first, thinks later,
is almost always out of place
in traffic. Impulsiveness
is often synonymous with
foolhardiness, which,
besides being alarming to
other road users, may cause
the driver to lose control
of his vehicle.
Some people experience a
strong urge to blame others
for their own mistakes and
deny any responsibility
for what has happened.
Instead, they make excuses.
And they almost always
find themselves in conflict
with those whom they have
irritated by making the
excuses in the first place.
In day-to-day life – and
frequently in traffic – it
happens that we try to push
unpleasant thoughts to the
side. However, the ability
to perceive and experience
reality as it actually is, rather
than distorting or repressing
the facts, may be of vital
importance. Some drivers
always seem prepared
to keep on going without
slowing down, even though
they are driving in darkness
with poor visibility. Others
risk overtaking, although
they know the distance they
can see is far too short.
This sort of behaviour is
typical of children. In traffic,
however, impulsiveness is
merely dangerous.
What is worse, however, is
that they also stand a strong
chance of acquiring some
very bad driving habits.
Since such people invariably
throw the blame on others,
they feel no compulsion
to admit they were wrong
and hence see no reason to
modify their own behaviour.
In the long term, this
attitude may prove very
dangerous, since it prevents
the novice from developing
as a driver and makes it
much more difficult to learn
from experience.
To become a good driver, it
is essential to acknowledge
your own mistakes and
recognise that out on the
road there is always
plenty of room for
self-improvement.
Are they unaware of the
danger? Or have they just
decided to take a chance?
Deep down inside, of course,
they are perfectly aware of
the risks, even though other
things, like getting home in
time for the big match, seem
more important at the time.
This is known as repression
and is something most
drivers experience every
now and then. For some
it occurs often, and since
it reduces the driver’s
awareness of danger and
increases tendency to take
risks, the accident rate goes
up accordingly.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
115
6.2 Personality traits and certain types of bad behaviour
6.2.4 Reaction formation 6.2.5 Prestige
– doing the opposite
of how you feel
6.2.6 Self-assertion Whereas in western culture
the ideal personality is
often portrayed as dynamic,
enterprising, independent
and self-assured, most
young people are in many
respects quite insecure.
Everybody wants to be
‘somebody’, and almost all
of us want to be appreciated
by other people. Sometimes,
however, this need for
appreciation, which is
perfectly normal in itself,
gives way to a naive, much
exaggerated pride in one’s
own prowess. An immature
male motorist, for instance,
may find himself compelled
to demonstrate to his or
her passengers that as
a driver he is a man of
exceptional competence.
They may be shy, for
example, or afraid of doing
something unwise. It is
quite possible to harbour
two apparently conflicting
desires at once: on one
hand to appear boldly
confident, and on the other
to suffer from an instinctive
shyness and a deep feeling
of insecurity.
How does the human ego try
to resolve this conflict?
It frequently happens
that one instinct is
exaggerated at the expense
of the other, as a result, the
insecurity is manifested
instead in a display of
aggressive rudeness.
Many people have a strong
desire to assert themselves.
The reasons may vary;
sometimes it may simply be
a matter of prestige, in which
the underlying motive is a
feeling of superiority over
other drivers and the notion
that other road users should
make way for them.
Similarly, the inherently
timid often attempt to
show how bold they are.
Many accidents have been
caused by this psychological
defensive mechanism,
which is known as
reaction formation.
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Driving behaviour and road courtesy
Another aspect of such selfassertion is the tendency
to insist that you are right
at all costs. The easier it
is to trigger this behaviour,
the stronger the need
for self-assertion that is
being expressed.
But no matter who is in
the right, ‘taking up the
challenge’ and ‘demanding
an eye for an eye’ merely
increases your likelihood of
causing an accident.
6.2.7 Jumping the queue
6.2.8 Reinforcing bad habits
(Probability conditioning)
Few things are more
irritating to a driver who is
waiting in a queue, either
for signals to change or
at a priority junction, than
another driver appearing
to the left or right and
selfishly pushing through
gaps to reach the head of
the queue, without care
for the inconvenience,
not to mention danger,
caused to others.
Unfortunately, learning
does not always have the
desired effect. Not only is this a breach
of the Traffic Law, it is
a potential cause of
accidents and a bad
example to other drivers.
It also points to a careless,
aggressive personality that
lacks consideration for
other road users.
Do not jump the queue. It is
only a matter of a few
seconds before you will be
on your way again.
In other words, you tend to
adapt your driving habits
to the expected frequency
that a given event can be
expected to occur.
Sometimes, in spite of all
your efforts, bad habits
become the rule.
Why is it that so many drivers
do not slow down at junctions?
Do they not know that driving
through a junction without
slowing down is dangerous?
The answer is that if you
regularly pass through a
certain junction in your
neighbourhood and seldom,
if ever, meet another car,
there is a strong risk that
you will become careless.
Instead of keeping alert, you
speed through the junction,
convinced that ‘other cars
hardly ever come this way
anyway’, and in doing so you
take a much greater risk than
you would otherwise do – with
the predictable result that
when a car does come, you
don’t stand a chance.
This form of learning, which
is known as probability
conditioning, is insidious; it
invades your subconscious
mind without your knowing
and can lead you to develop
bad – even dangerous –
driving habits.
You might, for example, have
‘learned’ that high speeds are
not particularly dangerous.
Actually, you have driven
pretty fast on numerous
occasions and have never
been involved in even a minor
incident. But the fact is that
high speeds are dangerous.
Speed means risk, and risk
leads to accidents. Speed
cracks skulls, breaks bones
and kills – and you may
never get more than one
opportunity to find out about
it in practice!
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
117
6.2 Personality traits and certain types of bad behaviour
6.2.9 Learning by imitation
of some of the bad habits
you see around you.
Admittedly, there are times
when it will not seem
practical or realistic to drive
the way you were taught
at driving school, or even
to abide by the spirit and
letter of the law. In a fastmoving, aggressive traffic
environment, for example, it
may be almost impossible to
keep within the speed limit.
Learning by imitation is
another psychological
phenomenon that has
relevance to driving.
Its effects may be either
positive or negative.
If, for example, you make a
conscious effort to imitate
your driving instructor,
driving as smoothly and
safely as you can, you can
expect some encouraging
results. If, on the other
hand, you merely copy
other people’s behaviour
without stopping to think,
you are likely to start making
bad mistakes.
You may have to face
the fact that some of
your driving habits are
118
undesirable – habits which
you have perhaps acquired
by subconsciously imitating
your father or brother and
which, though perfectly
acceptable to you, must
now be thoroughly revised.
An understanding of this
subconscious learning
process will help you
establish a healthy dialogue
with your driving instructor.
A more serious consequence
of learning by imitation may
set in once you have passed
your driving test and are no
longer taking lessons. There
are many bad driving styles
to be seen out on the road,
and there is a strong risk
that you will forget or ignore
what you learned from your
driving instructor in favour
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
Our advice here is simple:
demand respect from other
drivers, drive as you have
been taught, and keep
reminding yourself that no
one can ever force you to
adopt bad driving habits.
To sum up
•
It would seem,
therefore, that we
humans are driven
by a number of
different, sometimes
contradictory,
mechanisms.
People with too
many mechanisms
are sometimes
described as being
overly defensive, and
it is these people,
unfortunately, who
help boost the
accident statistics.
6.3 The will to learn and the need to learn
6.3.1 Superficial learning
6.3.2 In-depth learning
Many different traffic
situations must be directly
experienced and discussed
and analysed with your
teacher before you can gain
any real understanding
of the cooperation that is
required of all road users. Only then will you have
any chance of permanently
retaining what you have
learnt. This process is
known as in-depth learning.
So, it is not enough just to
learn the traffic rules by
heart. They must also reflect
on the various problems that
you and other drivers may
encounter out on the road.
We learn throughout our
lives. There are many ways
of learning, and the learning
process may manifest itself
in many different ways.
However, all learning
requires a positive attitude
and an awareness of
just what it is that needs
to be learnt.
For some people, it is not
unusual to believe that they
can drive without really
having received any proper
training. Some people
have an unrealistically
high opinion of their own
abilities, an attitude that
may prove disastrous
both for themselves and
other road users.
The belief that traffic skills
can be mastered simply
by knowledge of the rules
and regulations and the
ability to manoeuvre a car
suggests a very superficial
understanding of the
difficulties that may be
encountered on the road. If
you want to become a good
driver, superficial learning
is not enough.
Once you start learning
in depth, you will soon
understand why it is so
important to accumulate
as much knowledge as you
possibly can.
What you are actually
learning is not just how to
get your driving licence,
but how to understand the
traffic mechanism as a
whole and, ultimately, how
to stay alive and protect the
lives of others.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
119
6.3 The will to learn and
the need to learn
6.4 Focus on driving
6.3.3 Overlearning
6.4.1 Avoiding distractions
All learning, whatever the
subject matter, requires
repetition. Overlearning
means practising new skills
over and over, beyond the
point of mastery, until they
become automatic. The
importance of driver training
cannot be overemphasised.
Each skill must be practised
over and over again until
driving a car becomes
second nature.
However, even though
you may have benefited
from excellent training at
a driving school and have
passed your test, you should
still regard yourself as a
beginner when you head
out into traffic, one who
will need to acquire a great
deal of practical experience
before you can consider
yourself as reasonably
safe on the road.
The accident statistics
involving novice young
drivers make depressing
readings, and it is of your
responsibility to help
improve them. Several
surveys have shown that
driving habits change with
increasing experience
and many seasoned and
experienced drivers have
found that the best way of
avoiding accidents is to take
it easy on the road.
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Keeping your eyes on the
road and watching out for
other road users, most
people will agree, is
basically what driving
is all about.
Adding to this, all the traffic
signs, road markings and
signposts you have to keep
track of, not to mention
the traffic hazards, both
expected and unexpected,
that you will probably have
to deal with.
Trying to do two things
at once can be very risky,
especially for young,
inexperienced drivers. This
is not only because it is
quite easy to lose control of
your car, but also because
the less experience you
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
have, the harder it is to get
out of trouble.
Besides keeping both hands
on the wheel, it is absolutely
essential to keep your eyes
on the road and your mind
on the traffic. Emotional
problems clamouring for
your attention, talking on
your mobile phone, smoking,
changing CDs, none of these
distractions are going to
boost traffic safety.
6.4.2 Stress
When the demands of the
situation begin to exceed
the ability of the driver, the
result is stress.
Stress converts mental
energy into anxiety and
irrational reactions. In other words, rather
than focusing all available
energy on trying to resolve a
complex traffic problem, the
driver under stress gradually
loses the ability to focus on
the driving goal, which is to
get from A to B safely.
Of course, no two people
react to stress in the same
way. What causes stress in
Khaled will not necessarily
cause stress in Mohammed.
Some people produce their
best performance under
low stress, others at much
higher levels. While some
people can withstand a great
deal of stress, others give up
almost immediately.
Sometimes stress may even
cause a blackout, or mental
short circuit.
Everyone, especially young,
inexperienced drivers,
should avoid exposing
themselves to excessive
levels of stress. A certain
tolerance to stress can
be built up in due course
through practical driving
experience and a process of
active learning.
It should be noted, however,
that not all stress is
negative; a certain degree of
stress can markedly
improve your performance.
Everyone, especially young, inexperienced
drivers, should avoid exposing themselves to
excessive levels of stress.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
121
6.5 Group pressure
6.5.1 Negative impact
This phenomenon is known
as group pressure and refers
to the force which pushes a
person to modify his or her
views or opinions in order
to fall in with the wishes
of others. In other words,
the driver attaches greater
importance to the opinions of
his or her passengers than to
his or her own judgment.
Group pressure is not,
however, always negative.
Will you be able to withstand
the pressure when the
group starts demanding
high speeds, rubber burning,
Formula-1 acceleration and
terrifying overtaking?
it is important to note your
own reactions.
•
Has the way I drive been
affected by the presence of
my friends?
When we are with other
people, we sometimes find
ourselves behaving quite out
of character. We do things
we normally would not even
think of doing, at least not of
our own free will. Somehow,
other people and other
people’s views seem to exert a
powerful influence on our own
behaviour, so if you are out
driving with a bunch of friends
you could find yourself under
much more pressure than if
you were alone. As a driver,
•
Am I trying to impress
them?
•
Is their presence making
me nervous?
•
Am I afraid of making a
fool of myself by doing
something wrong?
The influence of a group of
other people can be highly
undesirable and make a driver
do things he or she would
normally never dream of doing.
Indeed, it may be all for the
good. If the values of the
group are essentially sound
and expressed in a firm
yet respectful manner, an
individual who is in danger
of ‘going astray’ may be
persuaded to mend his
or her ways.
Naturally, this applies both
to the driver and to his or
her passengers.
Some people who have a
stronger will and greater
ability to assert themselves
are better equipped to
withstand any negative
demands by the group.
The influence of a group of other people
can be highly undesirable and make a driver
do things he or she would normally never
dream of doing.
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6.6 Factors with adverse effects
6.6.1 Stages of fatigue and tiredness
6.6.2 Illness and medicines
Studies show that fatigue
(or tiredness) is responsible
for a lot of motorway deaths.
Although it is implicated less
frequently in other types of
accident, it is nevertheless
a prominent factor to take
into account.
You must be medically fit
to drive. Some medicines
should not be taken if you
intend to drive.
The most common reason
for tiredness when driving
is possibly the combination
of physical exertion and
monotony. Driving a car for
a long period does, after all,
demand some work from
your muscles. At the same
time, driving along a busy,
noisy road will tire both your
eyes and ears.
Do not drive for too long
without taking a break.
Stop as soon as it is safe
and legal to do so. If you
are tired, pull over at a safe
place to rest and refresh
yourself. If it is not possible
to stop immediately, open a
window to let in fresh air.
Fresh air or exercise can
help for a short time, but will
not be effective for a long
time. The most effective way
to counteract sleepiness is
to take a short nap.
Your concentration will
benefit greatly if you plan
regular stops for rest
and refreshment. This is
especially important at
night. After all, however late
you are going to be, it is
never worth risking your life.
The first hint that you are
getting tired is usually a
feeling of disconnection
and a certain slowness
of thought. Next up, your
reactions slow down. Soon
you find yourself stifling a
yawn. Fatigue is creeping up
on you, in stages.
Before you know it, the urge
to sleep has become
irresistible and
cannot be overcome!
If you are feeling tired, ill or
unwell, do not drive. Even a
cold can make it unsafe for
you to drive.
If you find you are losing
concentration or not feeling
well, drop your speed
and give yourself more
time to react.
Check any medicines
you are taking to see if
they affect your ability
to drive. Even medicines
for coughs and fever can
make you drowsy.
Read the information
contained inside the
packet or consult your
doctor or pharmacist.
And be sure to follow any
recommendations given.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
123
6.3 Factors with adverse effects
6.6.3 Alcohol
6.6.4 Illegal drugs
ourselves to the central
visual field, this is perfectly
true. What they do not notice
is the gradual deterioration
of their peripheral vision.
After all, you remain
unaware of what you cannot
perceive, until it is too late!
How long do the effects of
alcohol last?
If you drink, do not drive!
If you drive, do not drink!
Alcohol will reduce your
ability to drive safely. You
must be aware that to
drive with alcohol in your
bloodstream is extremely
dangerous, and carries
severe penalties if you are
caught driving or attempting
to drive while under
the influence.
Under the law, any driver of a
motor vehicle found to have
a blood-alcohol content will
lose their licence and be
fined and/or sent to prison.
Physical coordination
reactions are hampered
by very small amounts of
alcohol. Remember that
a pint of beer contains as
much alcohol as 6 centilitres
of 40% spirit.
Most people would claim
that their eyesight is
unaffected by a few drinks.
And indeed, if we confine
124
If you are at a party or bar
and have quite a lot to drink,
say 25-centilitres of spirit,
or the equivalent of 6 pints
of beer, it will not be until
12-15 hours after you have
stopped drinking that your
body will be entirely alcohol
free. This means that if the
party stops after midnight,
you might still be under the
influence and unfit to drive
the following morning.
There is only one thing to do
in a situation like this: do not
try to drive at all that day, or,
if you have to, do not drink
the night before! Finally
if you already drink you
can use a taxi
Is it possible to hasten the
process of elimination?
No, and only around 2
centilitres of 40% spirit
can be eliminated in an
hour, although you should
remember that this is an
average figure and it may
not apply exactly to you.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
Driving when you are under
the influence of illegal drugs
is an offence. The effects
are unpredictable, but can
be even more serious than
those of alcohol and may
result in a fatal or serious
road accident.
We hardly need comment
on the effect of drugs in a
driver’s performance.
6.7 Distractions while driving
6.7.1 Important things to consider
When you drive you must give your full attention to the traffic and what is happening around
you. Any distraction can be dangerous, and there will be many competing for your attention:
•
Mobile phones, SMS
•
Friends / passengers
•
Driving a different vehicle
•
Radio, music player
•
Eating and driving
•
•
Children in the car
•
Finding the right road
Looking at things
outside the road
•
Smoking when driving
Mobile phones
Almost everybody has a
mobile phone. We use them
to talk to others and to send
SMS messages. Some people
even use their phones to
receive and send e-mails or
to play games. It has become
an essential facet of our
daily life to be constantly
connected and accessible.
Holding a mobile phone
with one hand and driving
with the other is of
course not safe.
Trying to dial a number on
the phone while driving is
very dangerous indeed.
A hands-free accessory
to the phone will make
calling somewhat less risky,
though still not advisable.
Under the Federal Law, you
are not allowed to use a
mobile phone while driving
unless you are using a
hands-free set.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
125
6.7 Distractions while driving
6.8 Traffic offences
and penalties
When you are driving a
vehicle and chatting to a
passenger or passengers
in the car with you, you will
automatically adjust the
conversation to the current
traffic situation. If you
stop talking while sorting
out a traffic problem, your
passenger(s) will see what
is happening and keep quiet.
But when you are having
a phone conversation and
suddenly stop talking, the
person you are talking to will
be confused. Talking on a
mobile phone while driving
is not at all the same as
talking to a passenger.
Children in the car
Examples of penalties
Small children do not
understand that you have
to concentrate on the traffic
and will try to get your
attention even when you are
not able to help. If possible,
have someone with you
who can be responsible for
small children while you
drive. Never let children
move around in the vehicle.
They should be seated, well
secured in the special seats
made for them.
Like other road users,
owners and drivers of motor
vehicles can be punished for
traffic violations and ordered
to pay fines, compensation
or be sentenced to prison.
You should never read
a text message while
driving; typing one is even
more dangerous.
If you get a call on your
mobile phone, don’t answer
it. Wait until you can stop
safely and then call back.
Radio / music player, GPS
Radios, GPS devices,
music players and other
equipment in the vehicle
can also distract you.
Never try to set up or make
complicated adjustments
to any equipment in the
vehicle while driving. Stop
and make the necessary
adjustments safely.
126
Passengers
Passengers traveling with
you should respect that
you need to concentrate on
the road and traffic. Do not
allow them to intrude on
your concentration when
you are driving.
Eating, drinking, smoking
Eating, drinking or smoking
will also distract you from
focusing on the road.
Stop and take a break
rather than let them divide
your attention.
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
Violations of the basic
rules are penalised by
sanctions and include
such offences as:
•
Breaking the
speed limit
•
Driving through a red
traffic light
•
Having defective
foot brakes
•
Defective
exhaust system
•
Failure to wear a
seat belt
•
Crossing a
prohibitory line
•
Disregarding a No
Overtaking sign
•
Stopping in a No
Stopping area
•
Parking on a marked
bus stop or in a
space reserved for
disabled persons.
Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
1 Why can’t you take your driving test until you are 18?
2
What is the ego stage of
development?
3
Define the rule stage?
4
5
What are the main
differences between
experienced and
inexperienced drivers?
6
Do certain personality
traits cause conflicts
more often than others
do?
7 What is the reaction
Define impulsiveness
9
What is learning by
imitation?
10 What should you do if you
8
How does immaturity
help boosting the
accident statistics?
formation?
feel tired while driving?
Driving behaviour and road courtesy
127
Chapter Seven
THE BASICS- GETTING
TO KNOW YOUR CAR
7.1 Before you start-The importance of service and maintenance
7.1.1 The driver's manual
If you want to keep your
car in good order and
safe to drive, it helps to
know something about
how it works.
The main components
of a car are: the body
(the outer shell), the
chassis, (the supporting
structure of the car),
the engine (motor), the
transmission system
(for changing speed), the
steering system, brakes,
wheels (the tyres and
rims) along with other
essential and nonessential parts.
Most car owners ignore the
driver’s manual and simply
expect the car to take care of
itself, or expect technicians
to take care of it. To keep
your car safe, comfortable
and environmentally sound,
you will need to have it
serviced at regular intervals.
If it is new, or nearly new,
the manufacturer may insist
that you have it serviced
and checked by a mechanic
regularly as a condition of
the guarantee.
So, to start with, you should
study the guarantee, the
service log and the driver’s
manual. Moreover, do not
forget that unless you
follow the manufacturer’s
recommendations, you may
end up in paying a large bill
for repairs.
The driver’s manual will
give you advice and
instructions on how to:
•
Read the informations
on the Instrument Panel
•
Adjust the heating and
ventilation
•
Locate the fuses
•
Check your tyre size
and pressure
•
Change wheels
•
Carry out service and
maintenance
•
Select the correct type
of fuel - most cars run
on petrol, diesel or gas.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
131
7.1 Before you start-The importance of service and maintenance
7.1.2 Listen to your car
There is a lot that you can
tell about your car if you pay
attention to it: to get to know
your car better, listen, look,
smell and feel it.
If you hear noise emanating
from the brakes or the
engine while it is idling, it is
an indication that there is a
serious problem.
132
In terms of seeing, there is
the instrument panel on the
dashboard, the condition
of the tyres and fluid levels
under the hood. You can
also feel vibration in the car
as a shock or a jerk when
you are shifting gears, you
may feel it when you are
traveling at high speeds
or you may feel a vibration
in the steering wheel
when you brake.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Maybe with good awareness
and some tinkering under
the hood could be helpful,
there is a limit to how much
a non-mechanic can do.
Some of the things you can
do yourself, some of the
things you do not want to
risk and some you should
not touch at all.
7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved
7.2.1 The Engine
The engine
The engine, the powerhouse of the vehicle, is usually mounted at the front and runs on petrol,
diesel or gas. Most passenger cars run on petrol. Although other types of fuel do exist, most are
still in the experimental stage and are not in common use.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
133
7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved
7.2.2 The lubrication system
Lubrication is crucial to the smooth running of the engine.
Oil has four key functions in an engine:
•
•
Lubrication: The
engine oil coats
the parts that rub
together or touch one
another with a fine
film to reduce friction
and prevent the parts
from wearing down,
as well as to prevent
loss of energy and
ensure that the parts
do not seize up.
Cooling: The oil
circulates to each
portion of the
engine where the
temperature rises
when the engine
is running. This
temperature rise
comes either from
the heat generated
by the combustion
(burning) of the fuel
in the cylinders of
the engine or from
friction, when parts
rub together. The
oil absorbs the heat
and radiates it to the
outside, cooling the
engine down.
•
Sealing: The coating
of oil seals the
gap between the
cylinder-wall and
pistons to prevent
the compressed air/
fuel mixture and the
pressure generated
from escaping from
Skipping scheduled services could turn out to be expensive in
the long run, especially as far as the engine is concerned.
Regular changes of the engine oil are essential in the hot
climates of the Middle East, even though special oils have
been developed to operate efficiently in hot atmospheric
temperatures.
134
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
the combustionchamber. Thus, it
prevents the leaking
and loss of power.
•
Cleaning: The oil
washes the sludge
and soot that sticks
to the interior
surfaces of the
engine, keeping it
clean at all times.
•
Check the oil with the
dipstick and top it up
if necessary.
•
Change the oil and oil
filter as instructed in
the driver’s manual.
7.2.3 The cooling system
The purpose of the cooling
system is to cool the engine
and keep it at the correct
operating temperature. A
coolant liquid of ethyleneglycol and water also
helps preventing rust
inside the engine.
As the engine can quickly
overheat if there is
insufficient coolant, it is wise
to check the temperature
gauge on the dashboard
every now and then. An
engine running at the
correct temperature will also
save on fuel.
A fuse controls the electric
cooling fan but if it fails, it
may cause the engine to
overheat. Whenever this
happens, stop immediately
and check for the fault. A
belt is often the driving link
that turns the water pump
at the correct speed for
proper coolant flow through
the cooling system. If the
belt is loose or broken, it
cannot maintain the proper
speed, thus resulting in poor
coolant flow and ultimately,
engine overheating.
What to do if your
engine overheats?
•
Stop the car and switch
off the engine or leave it
in idling according to the
condition.
•
Wait until the
temperature has gone
down to about 90°C.
drive-belt, change the
fuse of the electric
cooling fan or top up
with hot water. And
remember that filling a
hot radiator with cold
water can easily crack
the cylinder block.
On a hot day, make sure the
“recirculated air” function
of the air conditioner (A/C)
or climate control is turned
on. Instead of hot air being
sucked in from outside,
which then has to be cooled
down, the air inside the
vehicle will be recirculated.
•
Be extremely careful
when undoing the
radiator cap! If the water
is boiling, you could be
badly burned.
Turn off the air conditioner
(A/C) or climate control
when driving up a steep hill
to prevent the motor from
overheating and to get some
extra power to climb the hill.
•
To remedy the fault:
Check and adjust the
The driver’s manual will give
you advice and instructions.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
135
7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved
7.2.4 The fuel system
Modern engines do not
have a Carburetor to mix
air and fuel in order to run
the engine; instead the fuel
is sprayed directly into the
cylinders. This system is
called the electronic fuel
injection system.
When you fill up with
fuel, try not to breathe in
the fumes, because they
can cause cancer. Wash
thoroughly if you get fuel
on your skin.
136
For many years, lead
compounds were added to
petrol in order to improve
engine performance. This
was called increasing the
octane rating. These days,
lead is no longer added to
fuel after it was found that
vehicle exhaust emissions
containing lead and other
pollutants posed a threat
to human health and have
long-term harmful effects on
the environment.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
There are three grades of
unleaded gasoline, “E Plus”
Red 91 Octane, “Special”
Green 95 Octane and
“Super” Blue 98 Octane are
sold in the UAE. All cars can
run on the “Special” Green
unleaded 95 Octane, but
some high performance
cars may require the higher
“Super” Blue unleaded 98
Octane. Octane numbers
are the measure of
fuel indicating its antiknocking performance.
7.2.5 The exhaust system
Important points to remember
about exhaust fumes
The exhaust gases emitted
by the engine contain carbon
monoxide, a colorless,
odorless and poisonous
gas. The exhaust gases
also contain many other
poisonous substances that
are harmful to human beings
and the environment. If the
exhaust system is corroded or
damaged, carbon monoxide
and poisonous gases may start
seeping into the passenger
compartment.
The catalytic converter is an
advanced emission control
device that uses a catalyst
to convert the harmful
compounds (carbon monoxide,
hydrocarbons and nitrogen
oxide) in a car exhaust into
harmless compounds.
To deal with the potentially
lethal problem of fumes
poisoning the air inside or
outside the car, the exhaust
system comes with a device,
called "Catalytic Converter",
which functions to clean
the gases produced by
fuel combustion.
Cars with catalytic converters
must be filled up only with
unleaded petrol.
The converter deals only with
toxic and polluting gases.
Carbon dioxide and Sulphur are
still produced and emitted from
the car’s exhaust.
•
Never run the
engine in a garage
or enclosed space
for longer than
absolutely necessary.
•
At the first sign of
poisoning, provide an
adequate supply of
fresh air.
•
Driving with the boot
open may cause
carbon monoxide
to be sucked into
the passenger
compartment.
•
Turn off the
ventilation and open
a window if you
find yourself at a
standstill in a tailback
or crawling along in
heavy traffic.
•
Switch off your
engine if you have to
wait for a long time.
•
Have the exhaust
system checked
when you have your
car serviced.
If the exhaust is producing an
abnormally loud noise, this
may be a sign that the silencer
has been damaged or has
developed a crack.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
137
7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved
7.2.6 The electrical system
Components using
electricity are almost
always fitted with a fuse to
prevent fire or damage to the
electrical system. So if any
electrical component fails
completely, the first thing to
do is checking the fuse.
A generator connected to
the engine by a drive belt
produces the electrical power
needed to move the car. The
electrical power produced
by the generator is stored in
the battery. If the drive belt
is incorrectly adjusted, the
output from the generator
will drop and a warning
lamp or an indicator on the
instrument panel will light up
to warn you of the fault.
138
If the battery is low, It will be
difficult to run the engine. If
your battery is so low that
you find you can’t start,
you’ll need to connect up to
another vehicle with jump
leads. The battery of the
other vehicle must be of the
same voltage as yours.
And remember that battery
acid has a corrosive effect
on your skin or clothes, so
be careful when
handling the battery!
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Check if the electric
components have failed:
•
Check the level of liquid
in your battery and top
up with distilled water
if necessary. Most cars
have maintenance free
batteries.
•
Check that the generator
drive belt is properly
adjusted.
•
Check that the battery
cables are securely
connected.
•
Check the charging
control lamp while you
are driving.
To start your engine with jump leads, proceed as follows:
Useful to have
handy in the car:
•
Fuses
•
Jump leads
•
Fan belt or
generator drive
•
Extra bulbs
1. Connect one end of
the red jump lead to
the positive terminal
of the other car’s
battery (colored red,
or marked with a P or
a (+) sign).
2. Connect the other
end of the red lead to
the positive terminal
of the discharged
battery. Note the
position of the
positive terminal!
3. Connect one end of
the black lead to the
negative terminal
of the other battery
(colored black or
marked with an N or
a (-) sign.
4. Connect the other
end of the black
lead to the cylinder
block or some other
place where it will be
in contact with the
negative terminal
of the discharged
battery. Sparks may
otherwise detonate
the hydrogen gas
formed around
the battery.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
139
7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved
7.2.7 Vehicle Lights
Vehicles are fitted with a
series of different lights that
serve different purposes.
Drivers communicate
with other drivers using
their lights, so your lights
should be clean and
adjusted properly at all
times. The front headlights
should display a white
beam and you must use
your headlights, on full
beam or dipped, from
dawn to dusk, during the
hours of darkness. Your
lights, whether on full
beam or dipped, must not
dazzle vehicles coming
towards you or driving in
front of you.
The front of the car must be fitted with
1. Full beam headlights, correctly
adjusted. Full beams may be used
during the hours of darkness,
except when oncoming vehicles are
approaching or when you are close
behind a vehicle in front of you in
your lane. You need not dip your
lights for pedestrians.
2. Dipped headlights, correctly adjusted
to avoid dazzling other drivers. Only
one pair of dipped beam headlights
may be fitted to a vehicle.
3. Parking lights: two white or yellow
lights indicate the width of the car.
140
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
4. Indicators: all cars must be fitted
with orange-yellow indicators: two
at the front and rear and one on each
side of the car.
5. Fog lights may be used instead of
dipped headlights in fog or heavy
rain. Fog lights and dipped headlights
can be used together.
6. Auxiliary headlights may be used
only with the standard headlights.
However, they must only be used in
conjunction with the obligatory main
beam headlights and they must all
switch off at the same time.
7.2.8 Rear lights
The rear of the car must be fitted with:
1. Tail lights, two red
2. Reversing lights,
(these are not always
standard), one or
two white
3. Brake lights/
stoplights, two (or
three) red
Rear fog lights can sometimes dazzle the driver behind
you and can be mistaken for stoplights. Only use the rear
fog lights in thick fog, heavy rain or other similarly difficult
weather conditions.
Look after your lights
•
Check that the lenses are always clean.
•
Check that the lenses are not broken and are in good
condition. Scratches and chips cause dazzle and let
moisture in corroding the reflector.
•
Check whether the lights need adjusting.
6. Rear reflectors,
two red
•
If there appears to be an electrical fault, start by
checking the fuses.
7. Rear fog lights,
(these are not always
standard), one
or two red
•
Make sure you have a stock of spare fuses and bulbs.
•
Check that the nozzles and wipers of the headlight
washers are working properly.
4. Registration plate
lights, one or
two white
5. Indicators, two
orange or red
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
141
7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved
7.2.9 Visual aids: The instrument panel
Visual aids help you to understand what is going on with the workings of your car are grouped
on the dashboard directly in front of the driving seat. These warning lamps/lights help you to
drive safely, monitor the performance of the engine, protect your engine and other equipment
against damage and see that everything is functioning as it should be.
For detailed information and guidance on the dashboard panel’s symbols and their
meaning, see your driver’s manual.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
142
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
9
10
11
12
There are many different types of warning lamps/lights that may be fitted, including:
1. Brake condition,
brake pad wear or
low brake fluid level
warning lights.
2. Oil pressure, often
red. This shows if the
oil is dangerously low
or isn’t circulating as
it should be. It will
light up red as you
turn the ignition on,
but goes out as the
engine starts.
3. Ignition warning
light, usually red.
If this comes on
when the engine is
running, it shows if
you have a problem
with the electrical
charging system.
4. Temperature gauge,
can sometimes be
a warning light. The
temperature gauge
measures the water
temperature, which
can tell you if the
engine is overheating.
8. Rear fog lamps
indicator light or
warning light.
9. ABS warning light,
if ABS (anti-lock
brakes system) is not
in function.
5. Fuel gauge: You
are running on low
fuel level.
10. Airbags or SRS
(Supplemental
Restraint System)
warning light, if the
airbag system is not
in function.
6. High-beam indicator
light, usually blue.
11. Fluid low, for
windshield wiper.
7. Parking brake ON’, a
warning light.
12. Seat belt
warning lights.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
143
7.2 How it all works: The main components and systems involved
7.2.10 The transmission system
The power generated by
the engine is transmitted
through the clutch to the
drive wheels. The car’s drive
wheels may be the rear
wheels, the front wheels,
or both, as in a four-wheel
drive vehicle.
A four-wheel drive car can
be a real help on a poor
road or off-road.
The purpose of the clutch,
which is mounted between
the engine and the gearbox,
is to transmit power from the
engine to the drive wheels.
When you press down the
clutch pedal, the engine is
decoupled or disconnected
144
from the transmission system,
and no power is transferred
to the drive wheels until the
clutch is reengaged.
Manual gearboxes may
comprise five or more gears,
each of which is used for a
specific speed range. Get used
to the sound of your engine
and it will tell you when it is
time to change gear. You can
both hear and feel when you
are in the right gear.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
Automatic gearboxes are
becoming increasingly
common. Automatic
gearboxes have no clutch
pedal. The gear shift occurs
automatically when the
vehicle reaches a certain
speed. Several different
types of automatic gearbox
are available today.
7.2.11 The brake systems All cars have two
independent brake systems:
•
•
The main brake acts on
all four wheels and is
hydraulically operated.
The parking brake,
or handbrake, is
mechanically operated.
The main brake system is
a dual-circuit type, which
ensures that two or three of
the vehicle’s four wheels can
be braked even if one of the
two brake circuits should
fail completely. A dualcircuit braking system may
be designed in such a way
that both front wheels and
one rear wheel are included
in each circuit. Should one
circuit fail, the other will
still be working as a backup. If the main brake fails
completely, you will have to
call for a breakdown truck.
Do not try to drive a vehicle
if the main brake system
has failed completely.
In a system that is
hydraulically operated,
the pressure exerted by
a special incompressible
brake fluid activates brake
shoes carrying a brake lining
or pad of friction material.
The friction slows and
then stops the rotation of
the wheels and the vehicle
comes to a halt. Don’t forget
to check the level of your
brake fluid regularly.
Brake fluid is not consumed
under normal operating
conditions, and a drop
of several centimetres
signals a leak. A small
drop, of a few millimetres
to one centimetre, is a sign
that your brake pads are
wearing out and probably
need attention.
Cars have a servo controlled
braking system, or booster
system, which adds
substantially to the pedal
force exerted by the driver.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
145
7.2 The main components and systems involved
In other words, a booster
uses a vacuum from the
engine to multiply the force
that your foot applies to the
master cylinder when you
push on the frame pedal.
The servo controlled braking
system works only when the
engine is running, so you
have to be very careful if
you ever need to be towed.
With the engine switched off,
braking will be very difficult
indeed and extreme caution
must be exercised.
ABS (Anti-lock Braking
Systems) prevent the wheels
from locking and help
preserve directional stability
and steering control even
if you have to slam on the
brakes in an emergency.
With ABS brakes, you can
brake hard and still have
some chance of being able
to steer yourself out of
trouble. A yellow light on the
dashboard comes on if the
ABS system breaks down.
Remember, keep a regular
eye on the dashboard to
ensure that everything
is functioning well with
your vehicle.
If you borrow a car, it is always wise to try out the brakes
before you set off.
Before test braking, make sure there is no one on the
road behind you!
Some important points about your car’s braking system:
•
The main brake acts on all four wheels and is
hydraulically operated.
•
The parking brake, or handbrake, is
mechanically operated.
•
The brake fluid is a special formula incompressible
liquid. Never attempt to use engine oil instead of
brake fluid.
•
A drum brake is a brake that uses friction caused
by a set of shoes that press against a rotating
drum-shaped component.
•
In disc brakes, the friction set up between the
pads and the disc achieves braking. Rear drum
brakes are often used in combination with disc
brakes in front.
•
A servo controlled braking system is a booster
which reduces the pedal force needed for
better effect.
•
ABS, or anti-lock braking systems, prevent the
wheels from locking and help control the steering
when braking hard.
Before setting off, make
sure the brakes are acting
equally on all four wheels.
Test braking has three main purposes:
If you have unbalanced
brakes, this may send
you into a skid if you have
to brake hard.
2. To check the stopping distance of the car and the road
surface friction
146
1. To check that the brakes are functioning correctly
3. To check that the brakes pull evenly
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
7.2.12 The tyres
By the time the tread has
worn down to about 3
mm, the tyre has started
to lose its grip of the road.
At this point, the risk of
aquaplaning, when the car
skates out of control on a
sheet of water, increases
steeply. So, check your tread
depth with the tyre gauge.
Make a habit of checking
the air pressure in your
tyres at regular intervals.
The tyres provide your
vehicle with control, grip and
safety on the road.
In this part of the world, where
the weather is extremely hot,
you may need to change tyres
more frequently as a result
of the friction caused by high
speed, humidity, heat and
other factors.
The most important issue in
the changing of tyres is the
age factor. A car may have
a lot of mileage on the clock
and require a tyre change after
12 months if it has covered
around 50,000 km in the
year. On the other hand, a car
which hasn’t achieved 14,000
km in three years will need a
tyre change despite the low
mileage because of the age
factor, ie the carcass of the
tyre has aged.
Each tyre has a date code
embossed on its sidewall,
so you can easily check
the age of your tyre. The
date format begins with the
week and the last part of the
number represents the year.
For instance, the end part
of the date code on a tyre
manufactured in the year
2000 would be 00, or 02 for a
tyre manufactured in 2002.
If you look closely at your
tyres, there are several sets
of TWI markings, or tread
wear indicators, located
around the rim of the
sidewall. When this raised
rubber tread comes to the
level of the rest of the rubber,
then you know that your
tyres are balding and you
need to go in for a change.
The main tread of a new tyre
is about 9 mm deep.
Naturally, the air pressure
should be at least as
recommended by the
manufacturer of your
car model. Neglect of air
pressure costs money
and impairs performance.
Remember, an air pressure
slightly below the
recommended level, that
is to say under-inflated,
not only increases fuel
consumption and makes
the car more difficult to
handle, but also shortens
the life of the tyre itself.
Slight over-inflation does
not damage the tyre;
indeed, it can lengthen its
life, and even improve fuel
consumption. Remember
that the pressure given in
the driver’s handbook is only
the recommended minimum.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
147
7.2 The main components and systems involved
7.2.13 The tyres characteristics
To achieve optimum safety,
grip, control and braking
power, it is always advisable
to adhere to the tread
pattern, size and type of tyre
that originally came with
your car, for all four wheels.
When changing tyres it is
best to change at least a
pair at a time, so that each
pair of wheels is fitted with
identical tyres.
Getting the most
from your tyres
Steel radial tyres are the
most commonly used tyres
today. They have an internal
layer of metal bracing or
support which, besides
being more resistant to
wear, gives far better road
grip. Steel radials are more
sensitive to under-inflation
than to over-inflation. So,
be especially careful not
to allow these tyres to
drop below the minimum
inflation level.
Regular tyres, made of a
synthetic rubber compound,
have a finely patterned
tread that gives a smooth,
comfortable ride in both dry
and wet weather.
Off-road tyres have a
generous, coarsely patterned
tread and are not suitable for
regular driving.
148
Re-treaded tyres or
remoulds are not a
recommended choice,
because heat builds up in
the rubber due to the friction
of smooth roads and normal
driving speeds.
Some cars carry a spare
tyre, sometimes known as
the emergency wheel. The
maximum recommended
speed for driving on an
emergency wheel is given in
the driver’s manual. When
you fit the emergency wheel,
be prepared for the car to
handle in unexpected ways.
•
Wrong wheel
alignment is the
main cause of
excess wear and
tear on your tyres.
It is important to
routinely check
your alignments
if you want longer
tyre life.
•
Wheel balancing
is also crucial. If
your tyres are not
balanced, the car
Wobbles and, once
again, unbalanced
tyres cause greater
wear and tear and
shorten the life of
your tyre.
•
The faster you
drive, the hotter the
tyre will get. Tyres
wear twice as fast
at 120 km/h as they
do at 80 km/h.
Do not try to save money by
purchasing cheap tyres.
As this can involve
tremendous risk. Stay with
the standard brands and
tyres suited to your car.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
7.2.14 The steering systems
Although the wheel can still
be turned, the steering is
so heavy that it would be
highly dangerous to take
the car out on the road.
Bear this in mind if you ever
need to be towed!
•
•
•
A special high-pressure
fluid, automatic
transmission oil, is
used for power steering.
Never attempt to use
ordinary engine oil
instead.
control the direction of a
vehicle’s motion.
•
Power steering
If the steering pulls or
snatches when you turn
the wheel, air or dirt has
probably got into the
servo system.
•
Manual steering.
If the car has a tendency
to pull off to the right
or left, the wheels may
need aligning or there
may be too little air in
one of your front tyres.
The steering system forms
a crucial component of
the driving experience
and needs to be studied
with care. The system is
comprised of the steering
wheel, gears, linkages and
other components used to
There are two basic types of
steering systems:
Manual steering requires
the driver to turn the wheels
of the vehicle using only
his or her own strength. In
contrast, power steering
uses energy from the engine
to amplify the torque that
is applied to the steering
wheel when it is turned
by the driver. This makes
turning much easier and
increases the amount of
time the driver has to react
to an emergency, providing a
safer journey.
Driving against the curb or
into an obstacle on the road
may force the front wheels
out of alignment or cause
unnecessary wear on the
steering system. Faulty
wheel alignment results in
a tendency for the car to
pull off to one side of the
road and for the tyres to
wear unevenly.
Poorly aligned wheels also
cause vibrations, which,
by subjecting the tyres
and steering to extra wear,
can lead to an undesirable
degree of play, or looseness,
in the steering system.
Careless driving on bad
roads or off-road driving can
also cause damage to the
steering gear.
If the steering feels
unusually heavy or the car
has a tendency to drift off to
one side on a straight and
level road, there may be a
fault in the steering gear, or
one of the front tyres may
need more air.
Never attempt to drive
a car with a defective
power steering.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
149
7.3 Economical driving Economical driving saves energy, the environment and money.
Sensible driving habits and a properly maintained car can save fuel, money and our
environment. The principles of economical driving are:
•
Has your car serviced
at regular intervals?
•
Make sure your tyres
are inflated to the
correct pressure; refer
to the driver’s manual.
•
Don’t idle your engine.
•
When starting up, try
to change to second
gear as quickly as
possible and then to
higher gears at onethird to half-throttle.
The throttle is the
device which controls
the flow of fuel or
power to the engine.
•
150
Accelerate in each
gear until the engine
speed reaches
the point at which
engine torque is at
its highest. This will
normally be at around
3,000 rpm. In this way,
you will not be driving
at excessively high
engine speeds (rpm).
•
While accelerating,
you may sometimes
even skip a gear.
•
Use the car’s own
speed; take your foot
off the accelerator.
•
Do not use the brakes
unnecessarily.
•
If your car has a
powerful engine and
high torque, it is better
to accelerate a little
more rather than
change down to a
lower gear.
•
Learn to drive while
keeping the throttle
at a uniform level. A
suitable engine speed
is around 2,000 rpm
and depending on
the topography of the
road, use fifth gear
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
whenever possible.
•
Drive to match the
rhythm of the traffic
around you. On roads
with busy traffic,
overtaking will not
save you much time,
but it will increase
fuel consumption and
increase the risk of a
traffic accident.
•
Before you reach an
intersection with a
traffic light or if you
see that the car in
front of you is going
to turn, brake by using
the engine, that is to
say by decelerating,
and approach in such
a way as to give the
traffic lights time
to change to green
or to enable you to
continue driving
without stopping
unnecessarily.
7.4 Driving with a heavy load or pulling a trailer
You will need a light vehicle
license in order to drive the
vehicle being towed. Some
drivers may not be aware that
this licence is necessary when
a trailer is hitched to a vehicle
or when driving with a heavy
load on board.
You will find details of
permitted trailer loads in your
driver’s manual, along with the
maximum tow bar download
that the vehicle can pull.
Consult your driver's manual
to determine the maximum
safe loads permitted for
your vehicle and the proper
distribution of that load.
Before setting out, make sure:
•
That the caravan or trailer
is properly loaded.
•
That the caravan or trailer
is correctly hitched.
•
That the emergency wire is
properly connected.
•
That the lights and
electric brake are properly
connected.
•
•
That all lights work and all
lamps, reflectors, plates,
etc, are clean.
That the supporting leg
and wheels are securely
screwed in position.
over. Check that your roof
rack is securely fastened,
and make sure that braking,
accelerating or turning a
corner will not displace the
load. Position the load up
against the front edge of
the roof rack and secure it
in place with some material
strong enough to prevent
it from rolling, slipping or
falling out of place. If you use
a tarpaulin, remember the
effects of wind. Distribute the
load evenly, taking care not to
overload the rear. Check the
tyres and see that the lights
are properly adjusted.
Make sure the load is firmly
secured, and
check frequently!
A child should never sit
on the lap of an adult in
a moving car.
A heavy load or incorrect
tyre pressure can affect
your car’s performance,
particularly its ability to take
corners, its acceleration
capacity, and the braking
distance. With the car fully
or heavily loaded, it will also
take longer to overtake, since
the engine will have a heavier
load to pull. Similarly, the
braking distance will increase
when driving downhill, since
the car is pushed forward by
the weight of the load.
Pay special attention to your
driver's manual to know the
permitted roof load when using
any type of roof rack. Any
load placed on the roof will be
above the centre of gravity of
the vehicle and will increase
the likelihood of it rolling
Millions of tons of dangerous
goods are transported on
the roads each year. If you
are in any way involved
in an accident with a
vehicle displaying a hazard
warning, extreme caution
is imperative.
You should never carry more
passengers than allowed.
The driver’s view of the road
must never be obstructed by
either load or passengers.
Nor should they be allowed
to prevent the driver from
having control of the vehicle
at all times.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
151
7.5 Testing time: Vehicle inspection and registration
If your car fails the VIC tests,
all faults must be repaired
without delay. Until they are
fixed, your car will not be
considered roadworthy and
should not be driven. Driving
a car in a non-roadworthy
condition may impose a
hefty fine on you.
Vehicle Inspection Centres,
VICs, provides you with
number plates and a
registration certificate. All
vehicles must display a pair
of number plates, which
must be kept legible and
clearly visible. Registration
certificates must be carried
in trucks, buses, cars and
off-road vehicles.
Vehicle Inspection Centres (VICs), exist to inspect all
registered motor vehicles. Their responsibilities are:
•
To set technical
specifications and
safety standards.
•
To raise quality
standards and help
ensure the safety of
motorists and other
road users.
•
To allow wellmaintained vehicles
on the roads,
thus promoting
public safety and
environmental
protection.
•
152
To ensure that
dangerous vehicles
are taken off
public highways.
•
To minimise
environmental
damage by bringing
down the quantity
of carbon monoxide
emissions.
•
To control other
gas emissions that
pollute the air.
•
To manage the
collections of fines
from car owners
who are in breach of
the regulations.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
If traveling abroad,
depending on the country,
you may be asked to
produce an International
Driving License, which is
essentially a translation
of your UAE licence
into various foreign
languages. Automobile
Clubs operating in the
UAE issue International
Driving Licenses.
7.6 Motor vehicle insurance
If you do, you will not be
covered by the third party
insurance policy. This is not
only illegal, but could also
cause you some serious
financial problems if you
have an accident.
Even the most careful and
cautious driver may be
involved in a road accident.
By law, the owner or driver
of the car responsible for
the accident is liable for the
cost of repairs, as well as
other costs related to the
accident. All compensation
costs must also be covered,
by the insurance policy or
by other means.
Third party insurance is
compulsory. Regardless of
who caused the accident,
third party insurance covers
all injuries and damage
to third parties caused by
or arising out of the use
of a motor vehicle on the
road. It provides financial
cover for bodily injury and
damage to other people’s
property. In some cases,
the amount normally
payable may be modified as
circumstances demand.
Third party insurance
does not cover damage to
your own vehicle or any
load you may be carrying.
It is therefore wise to
take out some form of
extra insurance.
Make sure to get helpful
advice when arranging
your insurance policy and
read the terms carefully
before signing it.
Never drive a car if
you do not have a valid
vehicle license.
Insurance premiums vary
considerably, depending
on the insurer. The exact
amount payable will
depend on the traffic and
accident categories of
your type of vehicle, the
theft statistics associated
with that particular make
and model, your annual
mileage, the place where
you live, and any no-claims
bonus or other form of
discount to which you may
be entitled. As a rule, sport
cars are more expensive
to insure than ordinary car
models. Therefore, before
going in for a particular
type of car, it may be wise
to call some insurance
companies and ask about
the policies they offer.
Never accept the blame
for an accident directly
on the spot, especially in
the presence of the police.
Anything you say, at a
time when you may be in
shock, or a state of extreme
confusion, may be noted and
used against you later.
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
153
Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
1 What is the importance of the driver’s manual?
2
What are the functions of
the lubrication system?
3
What is the purpose of
the cooling system?
4
5
What is the purpose of
the ABS?
6
What is the function of
the generator?
7 What is the principal use
What should you do if
the battery is low?
9
What does VIC stand for?
10 What is meant by third
8
154
THE BASICS- GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CAR
What should you do when
the engine overheats?
of a car’s lights?
party insurance?
Chapter Eight
SAFETY WHILE
DRIVING
8.1 Car safety
Modern cars have a high standard safety systems. If a vehicle’s safety system is used
in the way it was designed to function, the risk of fatal injuries, if an accident occurs, will
decrease dramatically
8.1.1 The car’s protective shell
Deformation zone
Less protection
Deformation zone
Deformation zone
Less protection
Deformation zone
The built-in safety system
in a modern car may involve
a number of independent
systems. The front and back
sections of the bodywork
have deformation zones,
which absorb much of
the force of an impact in
the event of an accident,
reducing the effect on the
driver and passengers.
The impact of a collision on
the occupants of a modern
car will therefore be lower
than it is, therefore, lower
than it would be in older
models and big 4WD cars.
In older or 4WD vehicles,
the occupants take a higher
percentage of the force
of a collision.
Protecting the occupants
when a car is hit from the
side is more difficult. Some
cars have side impact
protection. Nevertheless,
injuries to the upper body
and head in the case of side
impact collisions can be
particularly serious.
Safety while driving
159
8.1 Car safety
8.1.2 How to adjust the car seat, the head restraint and how to load a car
The head restraint is
designed to reduce the risk
of head and neck injury
if you run into the rear of
the car in front of you, or if
someone runs into you from
behind. These are known
as whiplash injuries. For
maximum protection, the
head restraint should extend
upwards top of the head
and for the tall people to
about the middle of the back
of your head.
•
To protect your neck. Sit close to the backrest and
head restraint.
•
Adjust the backrest.
•
Set the head restraint. The head restraint should
reach to the top of your head.
•
Pack properly.
Never keep heavy objects loose in the car. Place
your cargo as low as possible and use the seat
belts to secure your cargo in the back seat.
Protect your neck. Sit close to the backrest
and head restraint.
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Safety while driving
8.1.3 Seat belts save lives
Seat belts are absolutely
the most important piece
of safety equipment in the
car, both in the front and
back seats.
If everyone used seat belts, we
could save hundreds of lives
every year in the UAE.
It is very important that
backseat passengers
remember to wear their seat
belts. In an accident, rear
seat passengers are liable to
be hurled forwards, injuring
not only themselves, but
the driver and front seat
passenger as well.
The driver has the
responsibility of ensuring that
all passengers wear their seat
belts. Adults are expected to
wear their seat belts without
having to be told.
A tight-fitting belt affords
more protection than a loose
one. Also, check that the
belt is not twisted. Diagonal
belts should run smoothly
across the shoulder and not
constrict the throat or neck or
the top of the arm. Lap belts
should fit snugly over the
hips rather than the stomach.
Incorrectly worn belts may
aggravate the injury.
Some new cars are equipped
with a seat belt pretensioner or
tensioner which automatically
tightens the seat belt in the
event of a crash.
•
The seat belt is just
as important in the
back seat as in the
front seat! A person
sitting in the front
seat could be killed
when the rear
seat passenger is
thrown forward.
•
Tighten the seat belt.
When it is tightened
properly, it will give
better protection.
•
Across the chest.
Keep as close
to your neck
as possible, so
long as it is still
comfortable.
Would you dare do this?
•
From a standing position,
fall full length towards
the floor. 7 km/h is the
maximum force, which the
arms can withstand.
•
Ask yourself this: would
you repeat the experiment
if you were asked to do
the fall from a chair? The
force generated would be
equivalent to a speed of 15
km/h
•
Throwing yourself off
the top of a three-storey
building without a safety
net is equivalent to colliding
with an object at 50 km/h.
Your seat belt is your
life insurance!
Safety while driving
161
8.1 Car safety
8.1.4 Airbags (SRSs) save lives
The Airbag (SRS,
Supplementary Restraint
System) is a valuable
supplement to the seat
belt. Together with the seat
belt, the airbag gives extra
protection against injuries.
Remember, however, a child
riding in the front seat can
be seriously injured or killed
when an airbag comes
out in a crash.
An airbag is not a soft,
billowy pillow. To do its
important job, an airbag
comes out of the dashboard
faster than the blink of an
eye. A passenger must be
at least 145 cm tall and
be wearing a seat belt to
travel safely where there
is an airbag.
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Safety while driving
8.1.5 Children in the car
Sudden braking or
collision at 40 km/h: It
doesn’t take much force
for a child to be injured.
Every year children are
killed or injured because
they were not properly
fastened in the car.
Our love for children makes
us do all sorts of things to
keep them happy. Some
of us express our love in a
way that can lead to drastic
results and sometimes fatal
accidents. A child sitting in
a driver’s lap is an example
of love based on ignorance
that could lead to the loss
of the child. Placing a child
in the driver’s lap is asking
for trouble, because in case
of an accident, the child
will be trapped between the
steering wheel and the body
of the driver, which will have
a force on impact equal
to several times his or her
actual weight.
If it is not possible to
protect the child in the
correct way, it is best to put
the child in the back seat
with a seat belt.
Since seat belts are normally
designed for adults, cars
must be fitted with some
type of young person’s
safety seat for children to
travel safely. The type of
seat provided should be
changed as the child grows
older. Always remember
that the improper mounting
of the child seat is far
more dangerous than not
using a child seat at all. So
make absolutely sure you
follow the manufacturer’s
instructions and are
securely anchored to the
anchor post provided by the
manufacturer.
Mounting the child seat on
the rear-seat will provide
high degree of protection
for the child. Note that the
child’s size determines when
it is time to switch from one
type of seat to another.
Rearward facing is best way
for child seat mounting. Up
to the age of approximately
4 years, it is much safer for
the child to travel facing
rearwards. A rearward-facing
seat absorbs the violent
shocks and protects the
child’s sensitive head and
neck. The American style's
forward-facing child seat will
not give this protection.
Safety while driving
163
8.1 Car safety
Under no circumstances
should a parent place an
infant seat, rear-facing car
seat, booster seat or
cushion in front of a
passenger’s airbag.
There is an extremely
high risk of severe injury
or fatality in this situation
and a child should never
be subjected to this risk.
Even if the airbag is shut
off, or there is no airbag, the
safest place for all children
of 10 years and below is in
the rear seat.
And remember a child
should never sit on the knee
of an adult in the car; the
child should never be turned
into a ‘human airbag’
The safest place for children
is in the back of the car.
UAE law requires that all
children under the age of
ten be located in the rear
seat of a car, wearing a
seat belt or secured in
a protective seat. They
should never ride in
the front seat.
164
Safety while driving
Recommended
1. Infant seat, small lightweight safety seat. Up to
around 9 months. This is the safest way for the
youngest passengers to travel.
2. Rear-facing car seat. From around 9 months to
around 4 years of age.
3. Booster seat or cushion. To be used with seat belt
from around 4 years of age up to age 10-12.
4. American-style forward-facing child seat with a
full harness. Instead of the rear-facing car seat, a
forward-facing or American-style child seat with
a full harness may be used. From age 1, or 10
kgs (20-22 lbs) weight until the seat is outgrown,
usually at around 18 kg (40 lbs) weight.
Do not turn the child
around too soon
Most experts agree that
children are generally safer
facing the rear of the vehicle.
If your convertible child
safety seat has adequate
rear-facing weight limits
and height limits, you should
choose to keep your child
facing the rear, to reduce the
risk of cervical spine injury
in the event of a crash.
To protect a rear-facing
child’s head from injury,
the top of the child’s head
should be at least 1 inch
below from the top of the
child safety seat’s shell.
Safety while driving
165
8.1 Car safety
8.1.6 Forgetting the children in the vehicle
Forgetting children inside
the vehicle is dangerous for
them, sometimes resulting in
suffocations and then death.
According to article
No. (350) of the federal
penal code of the United
Arab Emirates:
This is because the small
body is heated 3 to 5 times
faster than adults body in
the same circumstances.
Shall be sentenced to
detention or to a fine not
exceeding ten thousands
dirham, whoever personally
or through others exposes to
danger a child, who did not
complete seven years of age
in a crowded place.
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Safety while driving
8.2 The natural laws
8.2.1 To calculate the distance required to stop a moving car
Thinking distance
Braking distance
Stopping distance
Stopping distance
Thinking distance
The stopping distance is
the distance travelled by the
car from the moment the
driver sees danger ahead
until the car comes to a
complete standstill.
Thinking distance depends
on two things: the speed of
your vehicle and how quickly
you react. A normal reaction
time is one second. During
that second, a car traveling
at 40 km/h will cover 12
meters; at 80 km/h it will
cover 24 meters and so on.
The stopping distance is
made up of two combined
factors: the distance the
car travels while the driver
is reacting to the possible
danger, known as the
thinking distance, and the
distance the car travels
after the driver has applied
the brakes, is called the
braking distance. Add up
the thinking distance and
braking distances in order to
know the stopping distance.
Beginner drivers often
take longer to react due to
lack of driving experience.
While beginner driver is still
hesitating in taking action,
a more experienced driver
has identified the danger
and prepared to brake if
necessary. In other words,
since their thinking distance
is shorter, experienced
drivers can usually stop their
vehicles much more quickly
than beginner drivers.
Braking distance
Clearly, your vehicle is still
moving during the braking
time to bring it to a halt,
i.e. from the moment you
step on the brake until the
moment you come to still.
This is the braking distance.
Normal reaction time is one second. Novice drivers usually take longer to react.
Speed
40 km/h
60 km/h
80 km/h
100 km/h
120 km/h
Thinking distance (m/s)
approx. 12 m/s (3x4)
approx. 18 m/s (3x6)
approx. 24 m/s (3x8)
approx. 30 m/s (3x10)
approx. 36 m/s (3x12)
Safety while driving
167
Braking
distance depends on:
•
Your speed
•
The state of the road
•
The gradient
•
The condition of
your brakes
•
The condition of your
tyres
•
Your braking technique.
Because of an increase in
kinetic energy, the energy
caused by the movement
of the car, your speed
doubles from 40 to 80 km/h
lengthening the braking
distance by a factor of four.
Similarly, tripling your speed
from 40 to 120 km/h would
make the braking distance
nine times as long.
There are several
ways to brake
The driver who shows
foresight and slows down
by easing off the accelerator
in plenty of time not only
spares the brakes but is a
safer driver as well.
You can cut down braking
distances and increase
safety margins by braking
firmly right at the start.
Being prepared shortens
thinking distances. Keeping
your foot poised above the
brake pedal and being ready
to react can shorten your
stopping distance.
In an emergency, it is
important to brake correctly.
As we have seen, locking
your wheels is to be avoided.
Instead, as soon as you
have no option but to brake,
the aim is to brake hard
immediately, but without
locking the wheels. If the
wheels do lock and the car
is not fitted with an ABS
system (or antilock braking
system), you will then have
to reduce the brake pressure
as quickly as possible.
Braking distance increases
as the square of the
increase in speed.
Twice the speed
=
4 times the braking distance (2x2)
Three times the speed
=
9 times the braking distance (3x3)
Four times the speed ..........
=
16 times the braking distance (4x4)
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Safety while driving
8.2 The natural laws
8.2.2 Centrifugal force: When the road bends
A moving car tends to travel
straight forwards even
though the road may curve.
By turning the steering
wheel into the curve, you
force the vehicle away from
the straight line as the
vehicle tends to move by the
law of nature. Therefore, if
you drive too fast, the grip,
friction, of the tyres on the
road will be insufficient to
keep the car on course.
The centrifugal force sets
up as a vehicle takes a bend
must not be so great that
it causes the tyres to lose
their grip on the road. It is
essential to read the road as
far ahead as possible and to
remain alert for sharp bends
and sudden changes in
surface conditions. A patch
of wet leaves, for instance,
may be very slippery. Slow
down as you approach a
bend and accelerate gently
out of it. Do not drive too
fast, or the grip of the tyres
will be unable to keep the
car on the road.
Slow down as you approach
a bend and accelerate
gently out of it.
8.2.3 The force of gravity
If you have tried braking a
bicycle on a steep hill, you
will know just how difficult
the invisible force known as
gravity can make things for
you on a slope. The exact
same force acts on cars.
Sometimes a sign will warn
you that the road ahead
slopes steeply downhill,
so take it easy. It may be
necessary to change down
a gear, both in automatic
and manual gearboxes, and
let the engine do the work
rather than risk overheating
the brakes or losing
control of your car.
Safety while driving
169
8.3 More about handling different cars
8.3.1 Some vehicle characteristics
Front wheel drive
Rear wheel drive
4 wheel drive
Although two cars may look very similar, the way they behave can be quite different. Before
driving a car you have not driven before, think about the following points:
•
•
170
How important is the
condition of the tyres
when handling a car
on the road?
How well is the brake
system working when
Safety while driving
you need to make an
emergency braking?
•
How is the difference
between driving with
different transmissions?
•
How does the car react
if the shock absorbers
condition is insufficient?
•
How is the car’s stability
influenced by the load it
is carrying?
8.3 More about handling different cars
Oversteer and understeer
Oversteer
A heavy weight in the rear
of a vehicle can cause
oversteer. That is to say the
car responds to the steering
more than expected and if
the car loses its grip on the
road it may go into a spin.
In some situations, a
vehicle that is normally
understeered will oversteer
if, for example, it is carrying
a heavy load.
Understeer
Understeer occurs when
traction is lost at the front
wheels while cornering,
forcing you wide on a bend
despite applying the correct
steering angle.
A car with its engine
mounted to the front
normally has a forward
weight that makes it
understeer. It tends to
continue forwards in
a straight line when
you take a bend.
Safety while driving
171
Once you have studied this chapter, try to answer these questions.
If you are not sure about the
answer, go back and read that
part again. Be aware that the
questions do not cover the
whole content of the chapter.
1 What are the benefits of deformation zones in modern cars?
2
How important is the
head restraint and up to
which minimum height
should it be extended?
3
What is a ‘whiplash
injury’ and when
does it happen?
4
5
What do the letters SRS
stand for?
6
For the best protection,
what should be combined
with the airbag?
7 What is the minimum
What could happen if
you drive with a child
in your lap?
9
Should seat belts be
used to secure infants,
and if not, why not?
10 Name three types of car
8
172
Safety while driving
Should a seat belt be
loose or tightly fit?
height of a person sitting
in front of an Airbag?
seat suitable for children?
Safety while driving
173
Appendix
AVOIDING DANGER
ON THE ROAD
Perception of hazard/risk
The learning objectives for this chapter are to provide a framework through which you can
analyze the risk you face on the road. We will seek to define, understand, calculate and avoid risk.
Where does the way we perceive hazard and risk come from?
Our perceptions of hazard and risk are based on:
Personal experience of the adverse event
Social/cultural background and beliefs
Our ability to exercise control over a particular risk
The extent to which information is gained from different sources, e.g. from the media
When answering the questions below, remember:
• Don’t spend too much time thinking about the answer.
• If you are unsure, give your first preference answer
• Be honest.
In your opinion why do drivers crash?
Inadequate training
Licensing test needs improvement
Poor understanding of the dangers involved in driving
How can we improve driving on the road?
More police enforcement Better education and training Other
Carelessness
Bad road design
Other
Better signage on the road
Improved licensing standards
When traveling by car do you wear your seat belt?
Always Never
Sometimes
Some questions about driving
Is driving 15 km/h above the speed limit risky?
Yes
No
Running a yellow light is:
Risky OK
Not sure
If you need to stop suddenly from 60 km/h, how much distance do you need?
45 meters
25 meters
15 meters
55 meters
65 meters
None of the above
Imagine you crash your car at 60 km/h. The impact on your body would be equivalent to:
Falling from 2 meters (own height)
Falling from 8 meters (2nd Floor)
Falling from 12 meters (3rd Floor)
Falling from 16 meters (4th Floor)
AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD
177
Perceiving a hazard can
mean the difference
between life and death. It
is the hazards you don’t
see or cannot avoid that
cause the most deaths
and injuries.
Hazard perception is a survival skill. Learn to:
•
•
•
•
Scan
Process
Prioritize
Take action
The hazard challenge
Count the number of potential hazards you see during each slide, ie, from zero to five hazards.
How many hazards can you see?
178
AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD
How many hazards can you see?
AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD
179
How many hazards can you see?
180
AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD
AVOIDING DANGER ON THE ROAD
181
Appendix
ROAD TRAFFIC
SIGNS
Warning signs
Warning signs are usually in the form of a red triangle pointing upwards, with a black symbol or
words on a white background (sometime a yellow background).
They are normally positioned 150 to 250 meters before the hazard of which they give warning.
In built-up areas, inside city limits, this distance may be shorter.
1. Right hand bend
2. Left hand bend Be prepared for oncoming traffic. Adapt your speed to
local visibility, the sharpness of the bend and whether
the road is banked. Do not stop at places where
visibility is restricted.
3. Double bend, first to the Right
4. Double bend, first to the Left
If there are more than two dangerous bends ahead,
the length of the danger zone is indicated on a
supplementary sign in meters.
5. Steep downhill Your braking distance may be longer and your speed
faster than you think. The gradient will be indicated as
a percentage.
6. Steep hill uphill Your overtaking distance may be longer and your
engine power will be weaker. The gradient will be
indicated as a percentage.
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
185
7. Road narrows on both sides
8. Road narrows from right
9. Road narrows from left
10. Right carriageway closed
11.Dual carriageway ends
12. Diversion
Be prepared for oncoming traffic. Finish overtaking well
before the sign. Adapt your speed and position to that
of vehicles traveling in the same direction as yours.
13. Opening or swing bridge ahead
There may be a traffic light. Be prepared to stop.
186
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
14. Quayside or riverbank
End of your road ahead.
15. Tunnel ahead
No stopping and turn on your headlights.
16. Maximum height
17. Uneven road
Poor road-grip could cause skids. Expect braking
distance to be longer than normal. Slow down.
18. Road works ahead/ Men at work
Drive carefully. The road could be narrow and in poor
surface condition. Watch out for gravel or loose stones
and workers on the road.
19. Bridge ahead
20. Ford ahead
In the rainy season, this road is likely to be flooded.
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
187
21. Dip ahead
Finish overtaking well before the sign. Do not overtake
too close to the dip. Slow down.
22. Hump ahead
Slow down so that you do not lose control and damage
the vehicle.
23. Slippery roads
Carriageway may be slippery, even in good weather.
24. Falling rocks (or fallen rocks)
Be ready to encounter boulders on the road.
25. Loose gravel or chippings
Slow down for oncoming traffic. Keep your distance
from vehicles ahead. Do not overtake.
26. Junction ahead
27. T-Junction ahead
How well can you see the junction? Give way to
vehicles approaching from the left.
188
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
28. Give way
Signal your intentions clearly and give way when
required. The sign will be erected as close to the
junction as possible.
29. T-Junction ahead, main road turning left
30. Minor road on right
31. Minor road on left
32. Staggered junction
33. Junction left
34. Junction right
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
189
35. Traffic merging from left
36. Traffic merging from right
37. Roundabout
Give way to traffic approaching from the left. Watch out
for road signs and note the position of entrances and
exits.
38. Traffic lights ahead
Be ready to obey the traffic light signals.
39. Level crossing with barrier or gate ahead
40. Level crossing without barrier ahead
At level crossings the big danger is trains; so safety
first is the rule here. Visibility and the state of the road
are extra important. Not in use in the UAE.
41. Low flying aircraft
Expect sudden aircraft noise also. There may also be a
traffic light.
190
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
42. Strong cross winds
The windsock symbol shows the direction of the
prevailing wind. Keep alert to the state of the road and
be prepared to encounter sudden gusts of wind.
43. Electric cable
44. Accompanied horses or ponies crossing the road
ahead
45. Animal grid
46. Wild animals (camel)
Several different animal symbols are used. Slow down
and watch out for animals at the side of the road. Dawn
and dusk are the most dangerous times.
47. Cyclists on carriageway
48. Pedestrian crossing
You are approaching a pedestrian crossing. Be ready to
stop.
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
191
49. Children
Children are difficult to see and are unaccustomed to
traffic. They are unpredictable in their movements and
may suddenly change their minds.
50. Two-way traffic straight ahead
A one-way lane or carriageway becomes two-way up
ahead. Get ready to meet oncoming traffic on the road
ahead.
51. Two-way traffic crosses one-way road
52. U-turn
Warning for vehicle making U-turns from the left lane.
53. Hazard ahead (or other danger)
The exact hazard may be specified on a supplementary
sign.
54. Crossroad ahead
192
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
Prohibitive signs
Prohibitive signs are round and have a red border on a white background with a black symbol
(usually, but sometime a yellow background).
They apply from the moment you pass the sign until you reach the next crossroads, unless
otherwise indicated by local circumstances or by the sign itself. This family of signs indicates
that certain manoeuvres and vehicle types are forbidden.
Failure to obey a prohibitive sign is an offence punishable by law.
100. No motor vehicles
Applies to all vehicles traveling in either direction.
It is often qualified by a supplementary sign, e.g. no
through road. Cyclists must be led.
Pedestrians may use the carriageway even if there is a
pavement or shoulder.
101. No Entry
Applies to all vehicles that face the sign.
102. No motor vehicles
Does not apply to scheduled buses, unless indicated by
a supplementary sign.
103. No motor vehicles with more than two wheels.
In other words, two wheeled motorcycles are permitted
here but motorcycles with a sidecar are prohibited.
104. No vehicles (buses) of more than 12 seats
Except regular scheduled buses, school buses and
work buses.
105. No motorcycles
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
193
106. No motor vehicles pulling a trailer.
This prohibition may be restricted to trailers exceeding
a specified total weight.
107. No goods vehicles
A supplementary sign will indicate whether the
prohibition applies only to vehicles exceeding a
specified total weight.
108. No tractors, construction vehicles, etc. Except as shown on a supplementary sign. These signs
are not very common.
109. No cycling
Cyclists must dismount.
110. No horse-drawn vehicles
111. No horse-riding
112. No pedestrians 194
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
113. No vehicles over width shown
114. No vehicles over height shown
Used when headroom is less than 5 meters.
115. No vehicles over gross weight shown
The gross weight is the weight of the overall load
borne by the wheels at any one time, ie the vehicle plus
contents.
116. Axle weight limit in tons 117. No vehicles or vehicle trains over gross weight
shown/or maximum load rating of road
118. Bogie weight limit in tons
A bogie comprises two axles spaced less than 2
meters apart.
119. No vehicles or vehicle trains over the length
shown
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
195
120. No vehicle carrying explosives
Vehicles carrying explosives are not permitted on this
road.
121. Minimum distances between heavy goods
vehicles
May be set up at bridges or on temporary roads.
122.
123. No parking (and no waiting)
This instruction normally applies until the next crossroads
or junction, but may be qualified by a supplementary sign.
Parking and waiting is prohibited on the side of the road on
which the sign is erected.A supplementary sign may specify
dates.
124. No stopping (and no parking or waiting) Applies to the side of the road on which the sign is
erected. If several signs and supplementary signs
appear on one post, each supplementary sign applies
to the sign or signs immediately above it.
125. STOP and give way at a crossroads
All vehicles must stop and give way at this sign. Stop
at the line or, in the absence of a line, immediately
before the light or sign.
126. Stop for customs clearance
May be qualified by supplementary signs or notices,
e.g. ‘Does not apply to vehicles carrying duty-free
goods only’.
127. Give priority to oncoming traffic
Does not apply to two-wheeled vehicles or small
vehicles narrow enough to pass without danger.
196
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
128. No right turn
129. No left turn
130. No U-turn
Applies until the next junction or, if erected at a
crossing, at the crossing itself.
131. No overtaking
Prohibits overtaking of all motor vehicles except twowheeled mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar.
Overtaking is prohibited until you reach the end-ofrestriction sign
132. End of overtaking restriction
133. Overtaking by lorries prohibited
Applies to heavy goods vehicles. A supplementary sign
may specify the weight at which the prohibition takes
effect.
134. End of overtaking by lorries restriction
Applies to heavy goods vehicles. A supplementary sign may specify the
weight at which the prohibition takes effect.
Sign number 131 or 133 prohibit you from overtaking motor vehicles other
than two-wheeled mopeds and motorcycles without a sidecar. Overtaking is
prohibited until you reach the end-of-restriction sign, number 132 or 134.
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
197
135. Maximum speed
Applies until another sign imposes a different speed
limit. Be on your guard against speed-blindness check your speedometer.
136. End of maximum speed restriction
137. No Horn
No horns to be sounded. This sign may be found outside a
school or hospital.
138. End of restriction
Applies to and cancels any prohibitive sign.
139. Taxi zone
The prohibition applies to vehicles or activities other
than those indicated on the sign. In this case, the zone
is restricted to taxi use.
140. Loading zone
The prohibition applies to vehicles or activities other
than those indicated on the sign. In this case, the zone
is restricted to vehicles loading.
198
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
Mandatory signs
Mandatory signs are round, with a white border on a blue background. Mandatory signs give
positive instruction rather than imposing a restriction or ban. An instruction applying to a
certain type of vehicle or manoeuvre is at the same time a ban on all other types of vehicle
and manoeuvre. In other words, these signs tell road users what to do and where to go unless
otherwise directed.
Mandatory direction signs 200 - 207
These mandatory direction signs indicated that vehicles may be driven only in the direction of
the arrow or arrows.
200. Right only
201. Left only
202. Ahead only
203. Right only
204. Left only
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
199
205. Turn right or continue straight ahead
206. Turn left or continue straight ahead 207. Turn left or right Mandatory lane
signs 208 - 212
208. Right only
This lane sign means that a vehicle may pass only to
the right of the sign.
209. Left only
Vehicles may pass only to the left of the sign.
210. Left or Right
Vehicles may pass on either side of the sign.
200
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
211. U-turn
Vehicles may make a U-turn at this intersection or
crossroads.
212. Roundabout (Mandatory direction)
Mandatory lane
signs 213 - 220
213. Pedestrians only
214. Cycle route
Track reserved for cyclists.
215
216. Shared track for pedestrians and bicycles
This is a dual track which may be used by both cyclists
and pedestrians and is restricted to other traffic. This
sign is adapted to local conditions.
217. Riders
This sign does not prohibit pedestrians from using the track.
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
201
218. Pedestrian stairs
Stairs leading to a subway reserved for pedestrians
only.
219. Beginning of lane reserved for scheduled buses, etc.
220. End of lane reserved for scheduled buses, etc.
These lanes reserved for buses and other vehicles plying regular
routes. They may also be used by bicycles. A supplementary sign will
indicate whether the lane is open to other types of traffic, such as
taxis. This sign also prohibits vehicles that are excluded from the lane
from stopping or parking. Authorized vehicles are also prohibited from
stopping or parking in the lane .
221. Minimum speed 60 km/h
222. End of minimum speed restriction
202
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
Information signs
Information signs come in a variety of shapes and colors. These help you find and follow the
road you want, e.g. a motorway.
They can also direct you to the nearest car park, or indicate destinations, distances, how to get
to service stations, amenities or any other places of interest.
300. Beginning of motorway
301. End of motorway
Motorways have at least two carriageways, one in each direction.
to cross these roads either under underpass or overpass, and
speeds are therefore much higher than on ordinary roads. At the
end of a motorway, get ready to encounter oncoming traffic.
302. Motor vehicle only
Not in use in the UAE
303. End of Motor vehicle only
Not in use in the UAE
304. Primary road
Traffic on primary roads has priority, i.e. vehicles entering a
primary road from a minor road must give way. This sign may
be set up on primary roads after every crossing or junction.
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
203
305. End of primary road
306. One-way traffic
This sign is erected parallel to the carriageway and
indicates the direction of flow
307. No through road
308
309. Parking
310. Signpost – used on public roads
311. Humps ahead
Reduce speed, humped road surface ahead.
312. Distance sign
204
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
313. Route sign
314. Protect our natural environment
315. Mosque
316. Emergency telephones
317. Information
318. Repair shop or garage
319. Filling station
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
205
320. Police station
321. Refreshments
322. Restaurants
323. Hotels
324. Picnic areas
325. Clinic
326. Hospital
206
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
327. Hospital
328. Tourist and/or national heritage signs
These signs are brown with white letters, symbols and
border. They carry different symbols.
329
330
331. Countdown markers
Countdown markers for distance to a
roundabout: 300 metres, 200 meters and
100 meters
332. Route sign
333. Multiple route sign
334. Signpost
Indicates the distance in kilometers to a certain
destination.
335. Lane direction sign
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
207
336. Exit ahead
Indicates the distance to the exit named on the sign.
337. Exit sign
Displays the same place name as the ‘exit ahead’ sign.
338. Bypass
Bypass for heavy, high, long or broad vehicles.
339. Lane directions
340. Lanes merge ahead
Adhere to the rules about changing lanes.
341. Bus stop only
342. Pedestrian crossing
Motorists have special obligations towards
pedestrians. This pedestrian crossing sign is very
common in the rest of the world, although it is not used
in the UAE.
208
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
Supplementary signs 400 - 410
Supplementary signs are only found in combination with other signs. Their sole purpose is to
qualify the information given by the primary sign, and they will normally also be of the same color.
A supplementary sign might indicate the period during which a prohibition must be observed, the
distance remaining to a hazard up ahead, or the distance for which the sign applies.
400. Length of a stretch of road beginning at specified
distance from sign
401. Length of a stretch of road beginning
at sign
402. Distance to the information given by the warning
sign
403. Stop and give way at specified distance ahead
404. EEffective on each side of sign
The arrows may also be horizontal.
405. Ends
Used in parking areas
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
209
406. Effective in direction of the arrow
Used in parking areas.
407. Parking configurations
408. Symbol for the specified vehicle or road user
Other symbols are also used.
409. Direction sign used at curves, junctions, etc
410. Exit sign at merging point between main
carriageway and exit road.
210
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
Temporary signs
Temporary signs (500 - 530) with an orange background are set up in conjunction with road
works. Other designs and shapes can be designed from the specific need.
500. Road construction ahead
501. Detour ahead
502. Two-lane traffic ahead
503. Single lane ahead
504. Left lane closed
505. Right lane closed
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
211
506. Keep right
507. Crossing ahead
508. Left or right
509. Right hand side
510. Speed at roadwork
511. Left lane must turn left
512. Construction access
212
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
513. End construction
514. Direction
515. Road closed, local traffic only
516. Road closed
517. Direction signs
ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS
213
Appendix
ROAD
MARKINGS
Lines across the road 600 - 604
Give Way line
A broken white line across your lane shows that traffic on the road you want to enter has
priority. The lines show where you should stop, if necessary, to take your final look. A broken
line is normally found at the entrance to a roundabout. This tells you that traffic inside the
roundabout has priority and you must give way.
Stop line
A single continuous line across your half of the road shows where you must stop at junctions
with ‘Stop’ signs, or at junctions controlled by traffic lights.
600. Stop line
Stop lines indicate where you must stop at a road sign
or traffic light.
601. Give Way line or Yield line
The yield symbol amplifies the message conveyed by
the give way sign.
602. Pedestrian crossing
Indicated by road markings and road signs or traffic
lights.
603. Cycle track
Indicated by a cycle track line.
604. Advance warning of liability to Give Way
Indicates and warns you of a Give Way sign posted up
the road.
Road markings
217
Lines along the road 605 - 613
Double white lines
This important road marking strongly prohibits certain actions, in particular
overtaking and parking.
Overtaking
When the line nearest to you is a continuous line, you must not cross or straddle it.
If there is a broken line on your side and a continuous white line on the other, you may cross
both lines to overtake. Make sure you can complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid line
on your side.
Single broken lines
Watch out for places where the single broken line in the center of the road gets longer. This
shows a hazard ahead.
Arrows on the road
Arrows often warn that there is a double white line coming up. Do not begin to overtake when
you see them on your side.
605. Centerline
This broken line marks the center of the road.
On main roads, each individual marking is 3 metres
long. The distance between markings is 9 metres. In
built-up areas, the dashes marking out the centerline
may be spaced more closely together.
606. Lane lines
Broken lane lines divide the carriageway into two or
more lanes of traffic traveling in the same direction. In
built-up areas, the dashes marking out the lane lines
may be spaced more closely together.
607. Prohibitory line
Crossing or straddling a prohibitory line is forbidden,
even by a single wheel. Never cross this line unless
there is a broken centerline between you and the
prohibitory line.
608. Warning line
On roads that are less than 7 metres wide, warning lines are used
instead of center and prohibitory lines. They may also be used on
wider roads in built-up areas or give warning of a prohibitory line or
hazard ahead.
Crossing a warning line is prohibited unless you are certain that the
road is clear. Each individual marking is 9 metres long. The distance
between them is 3 metres.
218
Road markings
609. Double prohibitory line
These lines are normally used on carriageways with
two lanes of traffic in each direction. Where necessary,
double prohibitory lines are also used on roads with
only one lane in each direction. Crossing or straddling
a double prohibitory line is always prohibited.
610. Direction line
Indicates how vehicles should turn and how to be able
to keep your lane and to better position your vehicle
through intersections and roundabouts.
611. Edge line
The edge of the road is usually marked with a broken
line. Crossing a broken edge line is permitted wherever
you may temporarily need to drive onto the shoulder,
e.g. to help another vehicle overtake.Edge lines are
normally white but sometime can be yellow.
612. Continuous edge line
Used on motorways where driving on the shoulder is
considered unsuitable. Motor vehicles should therefore never
straddle or cross a continuous edge line.
Continuous edge lines are normally white but sometime can be
yellow.
613. Restricted area
Crossing or straddling a restricted area is prohibited.
The smaller of such areas are painted solid white.
Road markings
219
Combination of lines along the road 614 - 616
614. Centreline and prohibitory line
This combination of lines indicates that visibility is
restricted.
615. Warning line and centerline
You may cross the lines only if you can see the road is
clear and you know you can cross in safety.
616. Warning line and prohibitory line
This combination of lines gives warning of a prohibitory line
or a hazard up ahead.
Reflective studs or cat's eyes
617. Reflective studs or Cat’s eyes
These are white reflective studs, popularly known as cat’s eyes, spaced in a
row between lanes, lane lines or as a center-of-road line.
There are flashing amber cat’s eyes to warn drivers that they are approaching
a pedestrian crossing.
At road works, cat’s eyes may be used to help identify the lanes that are in
operation
220
Road markings
Lanes for specific types of vehicle 618 - 619
Only buses may use the bus lane during the times of operation shown on the sign. Outside of
those periods all vehicles may use the bus lane. Where there are no times shown, the bus lane
is in operation 24 hours a day. Do not park or drive on a bus lane when it is in operation.
Do not drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line. If a broken line marks the cycle
lane, do not drive or park in it unless this is unavoidable.
618. Reserved lane line
Used to separate lanes reserved for scheduled vehicles.
619. Cycle lane line
This line separates cycle tracks from other lanes. Cyclists
must use cycle tracks, if provided.
In some cases, cyclists are protected from other traffic by a
prohibitory line (607).
Words on the road, road numbers and destination markings
620. Text
Text may sometimes be used to amplify the message
conveyed by a line, usually with a clear meaning such as
STOP, SLOW, KEEP CLEAR or U-TURN ONLY.
Sometimes lanes have destination markings or road numbers
on the road surface. These enable drivers to get into the
correct lane early.
Road markings
221
Lane arrows 621 - 625
Lane arrows tell you which lane to take for the direction you want, and are placed well before a
junction to help you get into the correct lane in good time.
Where the road is wide enough, you may find one arrow pointing in each direction, left in the left
hand lane, straight ahead in the center lane and right in the right-hand lane. Some arrows might
be combined depending on how busy the junction is. If the road is only wide enough for two
lanes arrows might have two directions combined.
621, 622, 623, 624, and 625 Lane arrows
This series of arrows indicate the lane you must or
should take. If prohibitory lines border the lane, you
must follow the direction indicated by the arrow(s).
The arrow otherwise serves to suggest an appropriate
choice of route.
626. Lane change markings
Lane change markings warn you to get in lane in time and to
watch out for traffic merging with your lane up ahead.
Speed reduction lines
627. Speed reduction lines
Raised yellow lines may be painted across the carriageway as speed
reducers. The purpose of these yellow lines is to make drivers aware of their
speed after a period of driving at higher speeds.
Reduce your speed in good time.
They are sometime painted at the approach to roundabouts or speed
humps, on the hard shoulder, or when entering a village or approaching a
particular hazard. Reduce your speed in good time.
222
Road markings
Temporary road markings
628. Temporary road markings, yellow reflective studs or cat’s eyes
May be used to help identify the lanes in operation at road works.
Orange or yellow road marking colors are being used. Temporary
road markings have precedence over ordinary road markings. They
serve as lane lines and prohibitory lines and are used to mark the
edge of the carriageway in conjunction with road works, etc.
Parking related road markings
629. Parking spaces
Marked with continuous or broken white lines. All four wheels
of parked cars must be within the lines.
630. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons Only persons holding special permits may park in spaces
marked this way.
631. Parking prohibited
Indicated by a broken yellow curbside line. Used at bus stops
and on curbstones at junctions.
632
633. No stopping or parking
This prohibition is sometimes used with a continuous yellow
line and may appear at certain bus stops. (632) may be
combined with a zigzag line or yellow cross lines marked on
the carriageway. This marking may also be used instead of
a broken curbside line to indicate that parking is prohibited.
(633)
Road markings
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Box junctions
634. Box junctions
Yellow crisscross lines mark a box junction. Their purpose is to keep
the junction clear by preventing traffic from stopping in the path of
crossing traffic.
You must not enter a box junction unless your exit road is clear. But
you can enter the box when you want to turn left end you are only
prevented from doing so by oncoming traffic.
If there is a vehicle already on the junction waiting to turn left, you are
free to enter behind it and wait to turn left providing that you will not
block any oncoming traffic wanting to turn left.
If there are a number of vehicles waiting to turn, it is unlikely you will
be able to proceed before the traffic signals change, so you should
wait for the next clear opportunity before entering the box.
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Road markings
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Road markings
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